POLICE are hunting a peeping tom who was allegedly masturbating while spying on a Redditch resident.

West Mercia Police have issued an appeal for witnesses following the incident of indecent exposure, which took place in Paddock Lane, Oakenshaw, at around 7pm on Thursday (December 1).

It is thought a woman was out walking her dogs along the path behind 96-100 Paddock Lane, which leads to Crabbs Cross when she noticed the offender.

He allegedly had his trousers down and was masturbating along a fence line at the back of a property.

The offender was looking at a female resident who was getting changed in her bedroom with her blinds partially open.

But when he saw the dog walker, he ran off along Paddock Lane.

He is described as white foreign/Eastern European looking, 5ft 8 tall, aged approximately 30, had a stocky, round face, wore dark clothes and a dark coloured beanie hat with a white stripe across the band.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "Sexual offences of this nature of very rare and we take all reports of sexual crime seriously.

“We have completed a number of enquiries and want to reassure members of the public that we are stepping up patrols in this area.”

Anyone who witnessed this man or has any information that could assist police are asked them to call 101 quoting log number 0612S 011216.

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers.org.uk.