A MAN was seen masturbating near three young girls in the grounds of an historic hall.

Police said that the man was spotted "committing a sexual act on himself" in full view of people passing on Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, as he stood in a wooded area of Ormesby Hall with his trousers around his ankles on Tuesday, May 17 at about 7pm.

Eston Neighbourhood Policing team said on its Facebook page: "The incident was witnessed by a female that was passing.

"The male was exposing himself... three young girls were in the wooded area at the time just opposite the Overdale Road junction."

The man was described as wearing a blue top with a white stripe and aged about 40.

Police said: "Please be aware of this incident and be aware if your children play in this area. Patrols are being carried out in this wooded area."