POLICE are warning youngsters and parents to be on their guard after a suspected pervert was spotted filming children in a Padiham park.

The man has been spotted with a video camera at least twice since Christmas in Memorial Park and near the youth shelter on Park Road.

On the first occasion in late December the man, described as in his 30s with dark hair, was spotted as he stood on the footbridge over the River Calder filming youngsters standing in the nearby youth shelter.

Last month he was seen again standing behind a fence in Memorial Park filming children playing football. He ran off when challenged.

Police described the incidents as "sinister" and have launched a hunt for the man.

PC Derek Mitchell, community beat manager for the area, said: "We have had two incidents since Christmas and there may have been more that we are unaware of at this stage.

"We are treating both incidents very seriously as they do seem to be rather sinister.

"We would certainly urge people to be vigilant and to look out for this man. Anyone who thinks they may have seen him or who sees him in the future should contact the police."

Padiham town councillor John Kenyon said: "This is certainly very worrying. Anyone filming youngsters like this is wrong and something should certainly be done to try and stop it."

PC Mitchell can be contacted at Padiham police station on 01282 472330 or mobile 07984316869.