Man Exposes Himself To Teenagers
Police are investigating reports of a man seen indecently exposing himself in Gosport.
There have been sightings of a man behaving suspiciously and exposing himself in Station Road on three occasions since Monday, January 7 between 2.30pm and 4pm.
The man has been spotted within a wooded area behind a large metal fence and has made no attempt to speak to anyone.
The most recent sightings occurred on Monday, January 21 when two girls aged 14 and 15 witnessed a man exposing himself as they walked home from school.
Officers also received a report that at 3.45pm on the same day, a man was seen in the same location and may have reached out towards a young girl through railings.
The incident was reported to police on Tuesday, January 22.
The man is said to be between 20 to 40 years old with dark hair and unshaven or with a short stubbly beard.
Police officers and Police Community Support Officers from our Safer Neighbourhoods team have been visiting local schools and additional police patrols are in place to offer reassurance to parents and children.
Fareham and Gosport District Commander Chief Inspector Darren O'Callaghan said: "Police are in the early stages of enquiries, and there is no confirmed link between these reports of indecent exposure and any other incidents although those in the area of Station Road are clearly being considered together.
"Specialist officers are working closely with the girls who have reported these incidents to establish further details and descriptions so that we can hopefully identify the man responsible.
"I would like to thank members of the public for reporting these incidents so that we are able to react promptly. As a result of increased awareness we have received a number of reports throughout the Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Waterlooville area.
"Last week we issued an appeal for information following incidents in Lanyard Drive and Conifer Grove where a silver or grey vehicle was seen. We will keep an open mind but these are not thought to be linked to the incidents in Station Road as there are significant differences between descriptions given and the reported circumstances.
"I understand there will be concern about these recent reports but it is important not to jump to conclusions or rely on rumour. We look into each and every bit of information we receive, some of which may have seemed suspicious but enquiries have found there to be no crime.
"While the exact circumstances are investigated, police are asking the public to remain alert, but not alarmed; advising parents and schools to remind their children of the stranger danger message, and to report any incidents to us as soon as possible."
