A SEX pervert on a bike has struck for the 12th time -- indecently exposing himself to a woman in Towneley Park.

The man has exposed himself to young boys, teenage girls and women in the last two weeks and officers are linking the offences to a spate of similar incidents in Burnley in the spring.

Parents and children have been put on alert and special police patrols are operating especially in the area of local parks.

Police today revealed that the cycling sex pest indecently exposed himself to a woman in Towneley Park at 11.45am on Wednesday. The man, who was wearing cycling shorts and a vest, ran off when challenged by the woman.

No bike was seen on this occasion.

The offender has struck seven times in just over a week.

The recent catalogue of offences is:

Monday, August 6, 1pm. Towneley Holmes area of Towneley Park. Man in cycling gear indecently exposed himself to three ten year old boys after asking them to help him search for a lost glove.

Wednesday, August 8, 7pm. Pheasantford Green footpath near to Bank Hall park. Offender got off his bike near to an electricity sub station and exposed himself to a 15-year-old girl and her friends.

Same day, 7.55pm. Church Street, Padiham, exposed himself to a woman motorist.

Sunday, August 12, 2.38pm. 2.38pm. Barden Lane canal towpath, exposed himself to a teenage girl.

Same day, 4pm. Culshaw Street, indecently exposed himself to two nine year old boys.

Monday, August 13, 11.22am. Bank Hall park, exposed himself to a 50 year-old woman.

He also committed an indecent act on most occasions.

Det Sgt Dave Fleming has again appealed for help from the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact Burnley CID on 01282 472173 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

He said: "Although they are scattered about the town we feel they are linked because of the description and the fact that on each occasion apart from the last two he was seen with a mountain bike."

The offender is described as white, 30-45 years with short dark brown hair and a tanned complexion. He has worn cycling shorts and top, or tracksuit bottoms and a variety of different types of headgear. One of his front teeth is missing.

One witness said he was dark coloured bumbag with a claret zig zag.

Earlier this year the sex beast on a bike struck several times in incidents where he exposed himself.

Wednesday, February 21, about 3.40pm, indecent exposure in front of young teenagers playing tennis in Queens Park

Saturday, February 24, about 4pm, indecent exposure to young boys in Towneley Park

Sunday, March 4, 3pm, Towneley Park, indecent exposure to young boys

Thursday, March 15, 6pm, gross indecency, inviting young boys to join in an indecent act

Saturday, March 17, 6pm, indecent assault. Grabbed hold of the six-year old near Brunshaw Primary School who managed to escape and run off.