POLICE are hunting a serial flasher in the borough. The man has struck seven times since last week in Bury, Prestwich and Radcliffe.

Now police are to step up patrols and surveillance in the streets where he has exposed himself.

In all incidents, the man stopped young girls and women in the street, asked them for directions and then indecently exposed himself.

Since February 7, incidents have taken place in Grovesnor Street, Redvales Road and Alfred Street in Bury, Bury Road and Seddon Avenue in Prestwich, and Bury Road in Radcliffe.

Detective Inspector Simon Collier from Bury CID said "This man needs to be identified quickly and dealt with.

"In each incident that has been reported this man is stopping his car near to his victims and asking them for directions. When they try to help him he indecently exposes himself and drives away."

He said the majority of girls involved had been aged between 13 and 16 but he has also exposed himself to a 44-year-old woman.

Mr Collier added: "Not only is this behaviour extremely distressing for those concerned, it is a criminal offence and this man needs to be caught.

"We are studying CCTV footage from the locations where the incidents have taken place and will be conducting observations during the coming weeks.

"There may have been other incidents which have not yet been reported and I would urge anyone who has been subjected to this man's lewd behaviour to contact us."

The man was Asian, aged between 23 and 35 years, of slim to medium build, with short dark and sometimes spiky hair. He has been described as wearing a beige or cream tracksuit on some occasions and dark clothing on others.

The incidents have occurred at varying times, but are mostly in the afternoon and evenings.

Anyone who knows the identity of the offender is asked to contact Bury CID on 0161 856 8150 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.