PATROLS have been increased in part of Bristol after reports of a naked man approaching women.

The incidents, in the Purdown area, have taken place in recent weeks, according to Avon & Somerset Police.

On Tuesday (October 21), at just after 5pm, a man in his 60s said he spotted a naked man emerging from the woods near Sir Johns Lane.

He said on seeing him the man ran back into the woods, and described him as older than 30, with white with dark hair and a stubbly beard.

Previously, a woman reported being approached by a naked man in a field near Priory Hospital at about 1pm on Friday, October 17.

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In an online report the next day, she described him as being in his 40s or early 50s, with short greying brown hair and a small beard. He was between 5ft 11 and 6ft 3ins tall and “skinny”, the report said.

Two similar reports, made in July and September, were investigated with no suspect identified. In each case a similarly described man approached women.

“Officers are aware of social media posts suggesting other incidents may have happened but not been reported to police,” a police spokesperson added.

“We’d always encourage you to report any such incidents as soon as you feel safe to do so. Call 999 if it’s just happened and the suspect could still be in the area, otherwise ring 101.

“If this has happened to you, or if you have any information which could help to identify the man, we’d like to hear from you.

“We’re also keen to know about any areas where you feel unsafe. You can tell us online at the national police.uk website.

“If you would like advice on personal safety advice, you can visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s page.”

Anyone with information about the naked man should contact police on 101 and give the reference number 5225293935, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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