A MAN in his fifties was arrested by police on suspicion of outraging public decency after incidents at Leeming Bar near Bedale.

North Yorkshire police said they were on patrol around the services which are on the A1M road on Saturday August 22 when they were approached by a member of the public.

They reported that a man had been seen sexually touching himself in a car park at Leeming Bar services.

It's understood the alleged offences took place around 1.45pm on the Saturday. Police launched a search and traced a vehicle which they believed to be linked to the incident and the man was arrested in the Richmondshire area a short time later.

The man who was arrested was released by police under investigation to allow further enquiries to take place. Police said they would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to investigating officers. Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and give reference number 12200146381.

POLICE in the Bedale area also say they have had information that on at least two occasions children possibly as young as 13 have been in the parks in Aiskew and door knocking in Leeming Bar during the early hours to the annoyance of residents.