POLICE have issued an appeal to trace a man who allegedly followed a woman home in Darlington. 

The woman was walking home from Bondgate towards Barningham Street, in the town, at around 9.15pm on Sunday when she became aware of a man following her.

As she quickened her pace due to feeling threatened, the man did too.

She reached home and locked the door, where the man then pressed his face against a downstairs window.

The man did not physically harm or attempt to speak to her, but the woman understandably felt frightened by his behaviour.

Read more: Figures show 81 children hit by cars in County Durham and 23 in Darlington

It follows two similar incidents which took place on Greenbank Road on November 25 and November 26 in which a man tapped on the windows of two separate houses and made lewd hand gestures towards the occupants before running off.

Police believe the three incidents to be linked and are appealing for help in tracing the man.

He is described as being Asian, 5ft 8inches tall, in his twenties, of medium build, and was wearing a dark coloured puffer jacket, possibly with a logo on. 

Detective Inspector Neil Fuller, from Darlington CID, said: “We have carried out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries in the areas where the incidents have happened and have increased our patrols in the local area.

“While the man has not spoken to the women or physically harmed them, we are keen to identify him.

“I am appealing to residents who live nearby to think back and consider if they saw this man or if they have noticed anyone acting oddly or suspiciously.

"Even if you don’t believe your information will be relevant, please do pass it on as it could prove vital in our ongoing investigation.”

If you can help, contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 411 of December 5.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  

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