The 41-year-old Shevington woman was walking her four dogs in Standish at breakfast time when she was menaced by the man.

And after being told that there were two similar incidents also in the Elnup Woods area last Friday, she has now contacted the adjoining school so that teachers can reassure pupils.

The mother of three says the man rode past her on a mountain bike at breakfast time on Monday morning.

He then dismounted just 20 yards away, and turning to face her, started to commit an indecent act.

Although he didn't utter a word during the upsetting incident, the woman was particularly alarmed because the man, described as tanned and of stocky build "with a gut" plus short dark hair, then started to walk towards her before she fled.

She says she regularly uses the same area, from Beechwalk down to the former Standish Hall, as access to and from popular Elnup Woods, to exercise her dogs.

Although the man did not seem to be overtly aggressive, she was concerned that his behaviour may escalate into a sex attack, particularly as the area is very popular as a play area for children and young teenagers.

She said: "When he rode past me I didn't think too much of it because this is a popular route for cyclists.
"It was very worrying when I start to think about it.

"There are lots of joggers who use that area, many of them women, as well as children, so he needs to be caught before things escalate.

"I was so concerned I contacted the Heads of Shevington High and Woodfold and Millbrook Primary schools so that they could be aware of the situation and maybe advice mums and dads.

A spokesman for GMP confirmed that they had been told about the incident which happened at around 9.40am on Monday

The man is described as white with short dark hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt and blue trousers.
The woman was uninjured but left upset by the incident.
Any witnesses are asked to call police on 0161 872 5050.

PC Keith Shelley from GMP's Wigan Division said: "This woman was enjoying a Monday morning walking her dog.
"She was approached by the offender and left totally intimidated. I would appeal to anyone that may know who is responsible to call police."