Police are searching for someone dressed liked a clown who allegedly threatened a student in Lakeview with a knife.

They say a 14-year-old was leaving Malverne High School Wednesday afternoon and was near Langdon Boulevard when he saw the clown holding a large kitchen knife.

The teen immediately ran away and reported the incident to police after telling his mother what he saw.

"He saw this clown who was dressed in purple with a white face and red hair and appeared to be 6 foot tall with a very thin build," said Det. Lt. Richard LeBrun, of the Nassau police.

Investigators say they are seeing social media posts that are encouraging kids to approach the clowns and beat them up. Officials want to emphasize how dangerous that could be, given that the latest sighting involved a clown holding a weapon.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Nassau Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.