POLICE have issued a warning to parents after a man exposed himself to children in a popular play area.

The man, said to be in his late 30s, is believed to be a regular visitor to Wilson's playing fields in Clayton-le-Moors and committed a sexual act in front of a group of children.

The youngsters, aged between 11 and 14, were playing in the secluded woodland area off Whalley Road on Sunday afternoon when the man approached them.

Police say a dog-walker recalled seeing the man acting suspiciously near the changing rooms in the playing fields around 40 minutes before the incident.

He said the sex pest, whom he recognised as a regular visitor to the playing fields, had appeared nervous and had been watching the children.

Sergeant Dave Reddin said: "Parents need to be warned that this behaviour is going on in the area and tell their children not to approach this man.

"It seems this man may be a regular to the area and as he was wearing quite distinctive clothing other people may have seen him and be able to come forward with more information."

The man is white, 5ft 10, in his late 30s with a tanned face.

He was wearing a dark baseball cap, a black old-fashioned tracksuit top with a lime green stripe across the shoulder and sleeve and dirty grey and white shorts.

Anyone who saw the man or who has further information should call 01254 884800 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.