Playground pervert: Police seek flasher (From Barry And District News)

Playground pervert: Police seek flasher

POLICE are hunting a pervert who exposed himself and performed a sexual act in front of children at a play area in Cosmeston Park.

The incident happened between 10am and 10.30 am last Friday morning, August 19.

Two teenage girls, both from the Penarth area, were playing on the pirate ship in the children"s play area at Cosmeston, when they saw a man standing in a wooded area.

The man had dropped his trousers to his ankles and was committing a sex act upon himself.

The girls, both aged 13, ran away from the scene immediately and told a parent, who reported the incident to the police.

The man is described as in his 40s with cropped dark brown or black hair.

He was wearing a green or blue T-shirt and black trousers.

Acting Police Sergeant Grady, of the Penarth Community Police Department, said: "This is an appalling crime which we are taking extremely seriously.

"It is now our top priority in the Penarth area and we are doing everything possible to make sure this person is brought to justice.

"The fact that the victims are teenage children is particularly disturbing.

"We are urging parents to be extremely vigilant."

If you have any information on this incident, contact Penarth Police on 029 2022 2111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

l This incident follows another recent act of indecent exposure at the park, which happened at around 1pm on July 7. The man responsible on that occasion was described as white, 5ft 8 to 6ft, and tanned with a bald head. Police have not ruled out a link between the two incidents despite the different descriptions.