Appeal launched after indecent exposure series across Southampton and Hedge End

We are appealing for witnesses after reports of a man indecently exposing himself in Southampton and Hedge End.

Our officers in the area have been made aware of three incidents over the last week where a man reportedly exposed himself to young girls or women, whilst also acting suspiciously towards other members of the public.

Shortly after midnight on Wednesday (21 June); a man reported seeing a naked man walking down Kanes Hill Road in the Hedge End area; he was only wearing a balaclava over his face.

A second incident was reported to us at approximately 12.30pm on Wednesday 21 June. It comes after a man approached the fence of Hightown Primary School on Tunstall Road and reportedly exposed himself to two girls and then ran away.

The two girls, who are 8-years-old, have been spoken to by officers and are being supported.

Police attended and conducted a thorough area search, which included Netley Common, however the man was not located.

Then last night (22 June), a 26-year-old woman contacted us regarding a man she had seen outside a pub on Peartree Road, inappropriately touching himself just before midnight.

At this stage we believe that these incidents are linked and the man described on each occasion is white, between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 10ins tall, in his 30s and has blue eyes.

During two of the incidents, it is reported that the man was completely nude and only wearing a balaclava.

Detective Inspector Emma Barrow said: “We know news of these incidents – especially those involving the two young girls - will be extremely concerning to local residents, but locating this man is a priority for us.

“Fortunately, there was no physical contact with the victims, but they were understandably shocked by what they witnessed.

“We have already stepped up patrols in both areas and have other enquiries ongoing in relation to CCTV, and now we are appealing for your help too.

“Does the description remind you of someone? Have you seen a man matching this description in the area recently, acting suspiciously?

“We want to make a request for local residents in these areas to check their CCTV footage and Ring doorbell footage – this might hold vital information in identifying the person responsible. Likewise, if you were driving along Kanes Hill Road or in the other areas at the times of the offences, and you have dash-cam footage, we would like to hear from you.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who might be able to help.”

If you think you can help us, please call us on 101, quoting 44230246778. You can also submit information via our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-forms/provide-more-information-to-be-added-to-a-crime-report/.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.