A SEX pervert on a bike who molested young boys is believed to have struck again -- six times in a week.

The man has exposed himself to young boys, teenage girls and women and officers think the offences may be linked to a spate of similar incidents in Burnley in the spring.

The most recent cases was on Monday of this week.

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

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 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 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 was wearing 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.

Det Sgt Fleming said: "We are obviously concerned that he has been indecently exposing himself and committing an indecent act in front of children.

"We are also looking to see if it links with similar incidents in Burnley in the spring. There must be a reason why that stopped whether someone had been away working or even perhaps in prison."

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.

Police believe someone must know the identity of the offender and anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Fleming on 01282 472173 or tell Crimestoppers in anonymity on free phone 0800 555111.