A FLASHER responsible for three cases of indecent exposure in the last two weeks is being hunted by police.

Officers believe the same man is responsible for the string of incidents in the same area of Sunderland since January 15.

The latest incident happened just before 7pm last night (Tuesday, January 26) when a man naked from the waist down was seen in the back garden of a house in Nesburn Road, in the Barnes Park area of the city.

He ran off when the occupant saw him.

In the first incident on Friday, January 15 a man exposed himself shortly before 9pm in Ewing Road. The second incident happened on Wednesday, January 20 at 8.30am in Barnes Park Road.

Detectives are viewing CCTV and carrying out house to house enquiries, while extra officers are on patrol in the area.

Temporary Superintendent Sarah Pitt said: "We do believe these incidents are linked and it is the same man and it is really important we identify who he is, in light of the circumstances of the latest incident we're really asking for the public's help in our enquiries.

"It may be he has exposed himself to other people who have not reported it to police and I would urge anyone who has witnessed a similar incident to come forward.

"Likewise we want to hear from anyone who may know the identity of this man, maybe they know someone whose behaviour has been causing them concern recently or when they've been out and about they've noticed someone whose behaviour has maybe caused them concern, we know this area is a popular area for people to walk dogs and it could be they've go vital information to help us”.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.