Police seek to end flasher's eight-year campaign

Police are appealing for information about the pervert who has committed numerous offences in Harrogate Since 2007.

North Yorkshire Police say there have been several incidents of a man exposing himself to women using the footpaths in the Stray Rein and Tewit Well areas of the Stray.

These incidents usually happen in the winter months when it is dark, usually between 5pm and 9pm and when the weather is dry and cold.

It is suspected that he uses the two railway footbridges, the railway line and the surrounding undergrowth to get in and out of the area where he offends.

It is possible there is more than one offender as the descriptions vary, however the latest victims describe a white man, 6ft tall, medium build with a pronounced stomach and short dark hair, possibly greying. The offender is partially or fully naked when he exposes himself to victims.

Sergeant Lee Partridge of Harrogate Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I have reason to believe that people have witnessed activity relating to these incidents, or know something about the flasher and have not reported it to the police.

“I am appealing to anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the area or knows something about these crimes, to please get in touch. It could be someone acting furtively on the Stray or just something out of the ordinary.

“I am also appealing to any witnesses who have not yet come forward to please do so.

“We believe that the two railway footbridges separating Tewit Well and Stray Rein are key to our investigations. The perpetrator is often last seen running towards this area.

“Anyone who has seen suspicious activity on or near the bridges or the railway line is also urged to contact the police.”

If anyone has any information please contact North Yorkshire Police. Dial 101, press option 2 and ask for Sergeant Lee Partridge or email lee.partridge@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.