POLICE are hunting a serial flasher who is exposing himself to university students wearing nothing but a mask, pointy hat and cape.

He is approaching female students in the grounds of their halls of residence in Archers Road, Southampton.

Officers are investigating one incident when a pair of students were left shaken after being targeted by the flasher in the early hours, but it is believed he has struck at least once before outside the University of Southampton’s Gateley Hall accommodation.

Police are advising students to walk home with friends or take a taxi after a night on the town and are appealing for anyone who sees anyone matching the description of the man to contact them.

In the most recent incident police say a 19-year-old and 18- year-old were stopped from entering the halls at 2.40am after a night on the town.

The masked man followed them up a side path on the site of the university accommodation before calling at them to get their attention.

When they turned round the students told police they saw a white man, thought to be aged in his early 40s, around 6ft with a large stomach, and wearing a mask, hat and cape that came down to his waist.

The teenagers ran inside the halls, which has secure access for some 160 student rooms, and reported it to the accommodation’s warden who then contacted the police.

A police spokesman said: “Despite his unusual disguise this doesn’t take away from the fact what this man did left the two young women shocked and scared. We don’t think this was some kind of joke and are taking it seriously.

“We would like to hear from anyone who thinks they may know who is responsible for this and also from anyone else who has had something similar happen to them but has maybe not reported it yet.”

A University of Southampton spokeswoman said they are now working with police following the reports and offering students support following the incident in the early hours of Thursday, May 20.

“We are liaising closely with the police on this matter, which we take very seriously,” she said.

“The safety of our students and staff members is a matter of utmost priority for us.

“We have also offered those affected by the incident help and support through our First Support team.”

Anyone with information should call PC Chris Collins or PC Andrew Barker at Southampton Central Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.