Police are stepping up patrols near a school after a man is accused of flashing at a group of girls.

Hampshire Police have warned residents that they may notice an increased police presence around the Turnpike Way cricket ground area of Hedge End over the next few days.

It follows a report of an indecent exposure in the area on Tuesday afternoon, where a group of Wildern School girls were flashed.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called to a report at 4.30pm of a man indecently exposing himself to a group of girls.

“At the time of the incident, the group were walking along the footpath which runs between the cricket ground on Turnpike Way and Greta Park.

“The man was reportedly standing in the middle of the footpath when he indecently exposed himself.”

Officers attended the location to conduct an area search and the force has said police will remain in the area over the coming days, carrying out further enquiries and patrols.

They are now hoping anyone with information will come forward.

Meanwhile, detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who recognises the description of a man who was seen in the area at the time.

He is described as white, around 5 foot 7 inches tall, aged approximately 50 years old, of average build, had dark hair, and was wearing a black t-shirt with a design on the front which was white.

The spokesperson continued: “Did you see anyone matching this description in the area on the afternoon in question?

“Did you see anything suspicious in the area of the footpath described above, particularly around 4.30pm?

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 44240191011.”