Police hunting pervert who indecently exposed himself to women in Southsea arrest man, 53

Officers were called shortly before 9.30am on Sunday, following reports of a man indecently exposing himself to people on Clarence Esplanade.

The incident was the latest in a string of similar incidents during the past month which saw a man committing lewd acts in front of a number of women in the Southsea area.

Hampshire police this morning announced a 53-year-old male had been arrested on suspicion of exposure.

A spokesman added: ‘He has been released from custody but remains under investigation.’

As previously reported, the first of the alleged incidents took place on April 17, with a woman reporting seeing a man in Lowcay Road who appeared to be ‘inappropriately touching himself’ a about midnight.

The second incident was reported three days later, on April 20, when a 24-year-old woman reported seeing a man indecently expose himself at Southsea Castle, at around 9.10am.

Then on April 25, a 29-year-old woman contacted police after seeing a man ‘inappropriately touching himself’ on the beachfront by The Pyramids.

Three days later, a 16-year-old girl reported a man, matching the same description as the previous incidents, drove up beside her near Southsea Common at around 8.30am and tried to talk to her.

Two further incidents were reported this month, in Osborn Road on May 6, where a 21-year-old woman claimed to spot a man with his hands down his trousers and on May 11, when a 28-year-old woman reported seeing a man touching himself inappropriately close to Southsea Castle.

Speaking during an appeal last week, PC Kate Hollis said: ‘We know news of these incidents will be concerning to residents but locating this man is a priority for us.

‘Fortunately, none of these women were physically harmed in any way, but they were understandably shocked by what happened to them.

‘We have already stepped up patrols in this area and have other enquiries ongoing in relation to CCTV, and now we are appealing for your help too.’

Those with any information about the incidents is urged to call police on 101, quoting 44200139487, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

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