A MAN walking his dog near a Plymouth beauty spot was allegedly sexually assaulted by a stranger, cops have revealed.
The victim was strolling close to Ernesettle Creek when he was approached by an unknown man.
Officers say the pair spoke briefly before the suspect sexually assaulted him over his clothing.
Devon and Cornwall police have now released an image of at man they believe could help with the investigation.
They are urging anyone who recognises him to come forward immediately.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We are appealing to the public for assistance to help identify this man in relation to a sexual assault in Plymouth.”
They added: “It was reported that the victim was walking his dog in the area of Ernesettle Creek at around 1pm on 16 October.”
The statement continued: “The victim was then approached by an unknown male and following a brief conversation, was sexually assaulted over clothing.”
Police said the man pictured “may be able to assist with enquiries”.
Officers are treating the incident as serious and are looking to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.
Meanwhile, a second police force has issued its own warning after a series of disturbing indecent exposure reports.
Avon and Somerset Police say a teenage girl was confronted by a man exposing himself on a Thornbury footpath.
The force said it happened off St Davids Road at around 5pm on Monday 1 December.
The frightened girl, who is in her mid-teens, ran to a nearby home and police were called.
The suspect was described as white, in his late teens, wearing black joggers and a navy top.
Officers believe the incident may be linked to a similar report from earlier in the year on the same pathway.
In that case, a man exposed himself to a primary-school-aged girl on Friday 10 October, at around 3.45pm.
The child had been walking just ahead of a family member when the man allegedly flashed her.
He bolted when the adult caught up.
The suspect in that incident was described as a white man in his mid-twenties with brown hair, wearing a red jacket and dark joggers.
Police also previously received an online report from a man who said he saw someone indecently exposing themselves in a Gillingstool underpass.
That happened at around 5pm on Thursday 2 October.
The suspect was said to be aged between 20 and 30, wearing dark joggers and a striped top.
Neighbourhood Inspector Stephen Baines said: “These reports are concerning.
“Our priority is keeping the community safe, and you’ll see an increase in uniformed patrols as officers work hard to identify the suspect.
“Please remain alert and report anything suspicious – your information could be vital.”
He added: “Call 999 immediately if the offender’s still in the area, or ring 101 with any relevant information or footage, giving the reference 5225284819.”
Both forces are appealing for witnesses and urging the public to stay vigilant.
Anyone who recognises either suspect or has any footage is being asked to contact police straight away.
