POLICE have responded to a video showing a person dressed as a 'plague doctor' roaming the streets of Kidderminster which is believed to be linked to a new social media craze causing concern for parents and children.

A cloaked figure was caught on camera in the Woodbury Road and Jubilee Drive area of Kidderminster on Sunday afternoon (March 28).

The three-second-long video has caused concern amongst families in the area, following incidents elsewhere in the country of people dressed as 'plague doctors' chasing children as part of a new craze sweeping the video sharing platform TikTok.

West Mercia Police confirmed there have been no reports of anyone being harmed, but warned that this sort of behaviour can be "very upsetting" for children and their parents.

A police spokesman said: "The TikTok latest craze is circulating through social media platforms nationally and a person wearing a black ‘plague doctor’ costume has been seen in Kidderminster this week.

"We are aware that the sighting of someone wearing a crow mask and black coat is causing concern for children and their parents.

"It would appear this is the latest craze circulating through social media platforms and across many areas of the country.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The cloaked figure was caught on camera in the Jubilee Drive area of Kidderminster on SundayThe cloaked figure was caught on camera in the Jubilee Drive area of Kidderminster on Sunday

"Whilst some may see this as harmless, and we have had no reports of anyone being harmed, these costumes and this type of behaviour combined can be very upsetting and cause young people and others in the community to be frightened and anxious."

The trend has caused rumours to spiral in other areas of Britain. Police in Scunthorpe moved to reassure parents last week following false reports about children being chased by a so-called plague doctor in the area.

Plague doctors battled the Bubonic Plague in 1645, wearing all black medical gear. The medics wore long leather cloaks, large brimmed hats and 'crow' masks filled with sweet-smelling herbs.