POLICE today warned the public to be on their guard after they revealed that a masked sex pest who preys on women at an East Lancashire beauty spot had struck again.

Visitors to Entwistle Reservoir, near Darwen, have been urged to be vigilant after police said there had been eight reported sightings of the flasher this year.

In the latest incident, on Tuesday, a 46-year-old woman was walking on a public footpath at 3.45pm when a man wearing a navy coloured balaclava-type mask exposed himself to her from a distance.

All the victims have been on the north side of the reservoir and have escaped shaken, but otherwise unharmed. The man, who wears dark trousers and an anorak, has never spoken to them.

The youngest woman was in her 30s and the oldest in her 50s. They have all given similar descriptions to police and saw the offender between 10.30am and 6.30pm.

Police have been involved in covert observations in the area and have made use of a decoy in an attempt to track him down.

Inspector Stuart Coates, of Darwen police, said: "We are in no doubt that this man is potentially a serious sex offender.

"Many women may not have reported similar incidents. We are taking this matter seriously and would like to hear from any past victims."

Anybody with information about the crimes are asked to ring Darwen police on 01254 701777.

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