POLICE are searching for a man in his 40s who performed a 'lewd act' on the seafront in Poole.

A woman in her 30s was running through Branksome Chine with her dog at around 10am on Monday, July 2 when she saw a man indecently expose himself.

The man, who was looking at another woman out walking her dog, performed a lewd act, police say.

It is believed this woman was not aware of the man.

The flasher was hiding in a bush along a path near a stone footbridge. Once he realised he had been seen, he hurried away.

He is described as white, aged in his 40s, taller than six feet and of medium build.

He had short dark grey hair, was clean shaven and wore a grey T-shirt, grey shorts, white sports socks and light-coloured trainers.

PC Alex Kimmins, of Poole police, said: “This incident caused the woman great concern and an investigation is underway to identity this man.

"We have carried out a number of enquiries in the area but have so far been unsuccessful."

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen a man matching the offender's description should contact police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 55180102594.