Police link indecent exposure incidents in Hartlepool after 16-year-old is targeted

A man indecently exposed himself to a 16-year-old girl at a bus stop in Hartlepool, just two days after a similar incident.

Police are linking the two incidents, and are appealing for information.

The most recent of the two took place on Sunday, when the man exposed himself to a 16-year-old at the bus stop outside the Ritchies Pub, on Winterbottom Avenue.

A man driving a dark green vehicle approached a girl travelling from the direction of the Powlett Toad roundabout.

He then stopped the vehicle at the bus stop, and indecently exposed himself to her before driving onto Holdforth Road.

A similar incident happened just two days earlier on Raby Road, near to the Mill House Leisure Centre.

The driver is described as a white male, about 5ft 11in tall, and about 40-year-old.

He is of medium to broad build and had brown or black short hair, with shaven side burns and a dark, bushy moustache. He was wearing a black tracksuit.

Inspector Mal Suggit, from Hartlepool Integrated Neighbourhood Team, said: “I would like to reassure the local community that we have officers patrolling the local area and we are doing everything possible to trace this man.

“At this time we are linking these incidents. If you have information regarding the identity of the man or the vehicle involved, please contact Cleveland Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Jonny Christie on 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.