Police are appealing for information and witnesses after a number of teenagers were approached and assaulted by an unknown man as they walked to a Hampshire school.

Between 8.15am and 8.45am on Friday there were six incidents where a man approached teenagers and assaulted them.

The incidents happened  in the Cove area of Farnborough.

The first happened at about 8.15am when a 14-year-old girl from Farnborough was walking on Minley Road, near to the temporary traffic lights.

The man grabbed her arm and swore at her before pushing her into a bush.

A short time later the man confronted a 14 –year-old boy from Farnborough who was walking on Fernhill Road at junction with West Heath Roundabout, before slapping him across the face.

The third incident happened under the railway bridge at West Heath Roundabout where the man slapped a 14-year-old girl across the face. He did not speak to the girl before the assault took place.

The fourth incident happened near to the Potters Arms pub on Cove Road where the man approached a 13 –year-old girl, and grabbed her hat.

He then swore at the girl before pushing her.

The fifth incident happened on Cove Road just opposite the Jenner House Surgery, where the man walked into a 13-year-old girl and pushed her into a holly bush.

Lastly, the sixth incident happened near to Cove Brook where a 14-year-old boy was approached by the man who was verbally abusive to him and proceeded to punch him in the stomach.

The man is described as white, aged in his 40s, of a large or chubby build and between 5ft 7ins and 6ft tall.

He was wearing a black woolly hat and had ginger hair sticking out at the bottom. He was unshaven and may have had what is described as a “hooked” nose.

He is believed to have had a local accent and was wearing a large blue raincoat, dark or tan coloured baggy trousers and black woolly gloves.

He may also have been wearing a hooded top underneath his coat.

PC Daniel Eaves said: “There does not appear to be any motive or provocation for this man’s behaviour.

"Given the time of day it is hoped there may be witnesses to these incidents as people would have been going to work and school.

“Fortunately none of the teenagers sustained serious injuries, but they were understandably shaken by these incidents.

"Contact has been made with the headteacher at Cove School and officers will be patrolling in the area and are available to speak to if anyone has any concerns.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Eaves at Aldershot Police Station on 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.

A 64-year-old man was arrested in connection with this incident and has been released with no further action.