POLICE are keen to trace a serial flasher in Ledbury, following fears he poses a potential risk to women.

And officers have offered advice as to how women should respond if they encounter anyone exposing himself in an isolated location - the kind of place in Ledbury where most of the offences have take place to date.

Officers are also trawling through records of earlier cases of indecent exposure in the market town, to see if a pattern is forming.

An ongoing investigation is looking at a "series" of incidents in Ledbury, and while officers have not revealed how many incidents there have been, nor all the locations, they say the indecent exposures have take place "in more secluded areas such as footpaths and near to wooded areas across Ledbury".

However, at least two incidents have been reported as taking place in an alley off Mabel's Furlong, close to the John Masefield High School; and there have been extra foot patrols in that area, after headteacher Andrew Evans called successfully for a greater police presence.

Concerning the possible risk to women posed by the flasher, a police spokesman said: "We are keen to trace the suspect. At this stage there has been nothing of a physical nature reported, but clearly incidents of this nature can be unsettling to people witnessing, and we are keen to reduce any possible risk that may be presented."

Police believe "the series of indecent exposures" in Ledbury may be linked, although descriptions of the culprit do differ.

But the man is described as being a white male in his 20s, and of a slim build.

The police spokesman said: "We want to speak to anyone experiencing an incident of this nature, regardless of the description."

A number of incidents were reported to the police over a three week period between February 28 and March 19, but police are not saying whether they think the offender has moved on.

Nor is it not known whether or not there have been reports of indecent exposures in Ledbury after that date.

The police spokesman said: "The investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time."

But investigations are now spreading a wider net, by looking at earlier incidents.

The police spokesman said: "Officers are also reviewing any similarities with incidents reported to them since the start of the year to widen their search for information to help identify the man."

Details of the Mabel's Furlong alley incidents have been released previously by police.

Two incidents took place on the same day, between 11am and 11.40am on February 28.

Two women, walking along the alley at separate times, "were approached by an unknown man who engaged them in conversation before exposing himself to them.”

The man on that occasion was described as white, between 20 and 30 years old, of average height, and of slim build. He wore dark jogging trousers and a fluorescent yellow jacket.

Advice to Ledbury women, should they encounter the offender, is that they should "ignore him; go to a public place and call police as soon as possible".

The spokesman added: "Be vigilant when walking on your own, always try to remain aware of your surroundings and who is around you. Incidents have always occurred where there have been few other people around, such as quieter footpaths."

Police are keen to hear from anyone who could help with their ongoing enquiry.

The spokesman said: "If you have any information that could help police identify the male, please contact PC 3192 in Hereford CID on phone number 101 quoting reference number 0265S 200319 or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."