DETECTIVES have released an e-fit of a man they wish to trace in connection with two separate incidents in the Tollesby area of Middlesbrough.

On Wednesday, July 17 at around 4pm on Tollesby Road near to the Art College a man approached an 11-year-old schoolgirl and on Thursday, July 18 at around 3pm, a man with the same description approached a 12-year-old schoolgirl in a wooded area behind Parkfield Avenue.

On both occasions the stranger engaged them in the same conversation before leaving the area.

The man is described as white, around 20-30 years of age, 5ft 6ins tall, skinny build with light brown or blonde hair. On the July 17, the man is described as wearing black trousers, a short sleeve T-shirt with green writing on, brown sandals a beige hat and sunglasses. A day later he was described as wearing a green baseball cap, white t-shirt, blue and white sandals and green three-quarter length trousers.

"Officers are hoping that the e-fit will help to identify the man responsible for these incidents. Parents are being reminded to take a common sense but cautious approach and remain vigilant," a Cleveland Police spokeswoman said.

"Anyone who has any information on these incidents, or who may know the man responsible is asked to contact Detective Constable Keith Longstaff on the non-emergency number 101."