A SERIAL sex pest is believed to have targeted women across East Lancashire in six separate incidents.

Police are now appealing for help to identify a man who has exposed himself to women in Blackburn and Padiham during the last month.

In the latest incident a man exposed himself to a 52-year-old woman in Shakespeare Street, Padiham on Saturday at 11.30am.

The first incident happened on Tuesday, September 25 at 11.30am when a 50-year-old woman was walking along Southworth Street.

As she made her way down the street, a burgundy coloured people carrier car stopped in an alleyway just ahead of her.

A man got out of the car and exposed himself. She quickly walked off and then she saw the car drive off back down Southworth Street.

Since then, there have been four further similar incidents, three of which have all occurred around a similar time on Highfield Road, Redlam and Wensley Road in Blackburn.

Police are linking the incidents and appealed to anyone who saw anything at the time or who has any information to help them identify the man to come forward.

Sgt Kathryn McIntyre said: "It is important that we identify this man as soon as possible to prevent him from committing any further offences of this nature.

"All of these incidents have occurred between 10am and 11.30am and understandably this has been very frightening for the women involved.

"I appeal to anyone who recognises the description of this man or sees him in the area to not approach him but contact police immediately."

The man is described as white, in his 30's to 40's, approximately 5ft 9ins with shaved, balding hair and a medium build.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.