Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward after a man indecently exposed himself in Beaminster.

The incident occurred at about 12.20pm on Wednesday, August 16 as the victim was walking near to Woodswater Lane. Police have only just released details of the incident today (Wednesday). 

It is reported that a man driving a white van smiled at the victim, before saying something out of his window.

As the victim could not hear him, she went round to the driver's side window. The man was indecently exposing himself and the victim ran away from the scene.

The offender is described as white, aged in his 50s or 60s, short and of stocky build with a large belly and a long ginger beard. He was described as wearing a white polo shirt and blue shorts or trousers.

Police Constable Dan White, of West Dorset police, said: "This was understandably a terrifying incident for the victim and our enquiries are continuing to identify the offender.

 "I am appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area, or recognises the man from the description given, to please come forward.

"Also, I am keen to speak to anyone who may have been approached in a similar way recently and may have information to assist my enquiries."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230129325.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

Other incident of crime reported in the Bridport area in recent weeks include the following:

On Thursday, August 17 between 12am and 4.30am, a Citroen car parked outside a property in Corscombe, near Beaminster, had its tyres slashed. A step adder nearby was also stolen (reference number 55230134480).

Sometime overnight on Friday, August 4, a black coloured Audi A3, parked in St Swithins Road, Bridport, was damaged. The vehicle had its passenger side wing mirror ripped off (reference number 55230126949).

A bicycle parked in West Street, Bridport, opposite the entrance of the Royal Mail sorting office, was stolen between 8am on Monday, August 7 and 10am on Tuesday, August 9 (reference number 55230128662).

Between 10.45am 12.10pm on Wednesday, Aug 9, a Garmin Bike Computer was stolen from a bicycle at St Andrew's Training Estate in Shoe Lane, Bridport (reference number 55230130699).

Anyone with information on the above incidents asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting the relevant reference number.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an EMERGENCY when there is a risk of HARM or a CRIME in progress.