DETECTIVES have opened an investigation following reports of a man indecently exposing himself in Witham.

Officers are carrying out high visibility patrols in the town after a woman reported a man exposing himself to her in public.

The woman, in her 30s, was walking her dog in Maldon Road at about 10am on Friday, March 12 when she reported the incident.

Police are linking this incident with a similar one which took place two days before.

Three girls reported walking in a green area just off Laurence Avenue between Maldon Road and Pattison Close at 4pm on March 10 when they saw a man who exposed himself.

The man in that incident has been described as white, slim, about 20 years old with medium-length dark brown hair and wearing a blue jacket, grey trousers, and brown shoes.

Detective Sergeant Luke Howard, from Braintree CID, said: “I know these incidents will be concerning to the community and we have high visibility patrols taking place in the area.

“We are treating these incidents very seriously and have detectives working hard to identify the person responsible.

“If you have any information or see anything suspicious please call us.”

If you have any information call Essex Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/44328/21 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.