Police are linking two incidents of indecent offence which took place near Wildern School, one on Sunday 10 January, the second on Monday 11 January. They have today (Thursday 14 January) issued an e-fit image in relation to the incidents.

On Sunday two 11-year-old girls were playing on a sledge near to the post-box on the corner of Westward Road when at about 3.15pm a man approached them and made inappropriate comments. There was no attempt to touch either of the girls.

On Monday, between 1.30 and 2.00pm, a man approached a 15-year-old girl in the track called Goodalls Lane, near the school and Wildern Nature Park.

The man took hold of the girl’s arm and made inappropriate comments. The girl escaped and ran towards the school, uninjured.

Hedge End Safer Neighbourhoods team is linking the incidents because the description of the man involved in both is very similar. He is described as having a tanned skin and speaking with a foreign accent. He is 20-30 years of age, and was wearing a dark coloured 'beanie hat' and a large jacket.

PC Joe Clarke of Hedge End Safer Neighbourhoods team said: "We are carrying out high visibility patrols in the area of Wildern School at key times. We are also working with the school to ensure all pupils are given personal safety advice and report any suspicious activity to us."

If you have any information about either of the incidents or have any concerns about safety in the area, contact PC Clarke at Hedge End police station on 101, or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Callers from outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight should dial 0845 045 45 45.