Stranger asked woman for directions then began to masturbate

Police said the incident took place in Bolton-le-Sands at 1.30pm on Thursday, August 6.

A local woman was walking up St. Michaels Lane towards the canal bridge when she was asked directions for Hasty Brow by a man in a silver/grey 4x4 pickup, similar to a Nissan Navara – which also had a cab on the back.

The man asked the woman if she wanted a lift which she declined.

The man kept on asking her to come closer to him but she then walked off.

The man then drove his vehicle up St Michaels Lane, turned round and came back down the lane, stopping on the canal bridge, blocking the woman’s path.

The man again asked to confirm the directions and as she walked over towards the passenger side of the vehicle, she clearly saw that the male was exposing his genitals and masturbating.

The woman was shocked and she shrieked, and the man then drove off in the direction of the A6.

The man that police would like to speak to is described as white, large muscular build, in his late 20s to early 30s, shaved or bald head, shaved face wearing a black sleeveless top, possibly a vest.

He had tribal swirl-style tattoo’s on his right shoulder and forearm.

The man did not appear to have a local accent.

PC Simon Harrison, from Lancaster & Morecambe Police, said: “We would appeal to the public to help us identify the male and/ or the vehicle, and ask them to get in touch with us.

“If anyone has had a similar man ask or approach them in the area then please do let us know.

“Incidents such as these are rare and we would rather the public share this information, remain vigilant and remind their family about the potential dangers of speaking to strangers”.

Anybody with any information can call police on 101 quoting log number WB1506312 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.