Pervert in the playground (From Penarth Times)

Pervert in the playground

PENARTH police are hunting a pervert who exposed himself and performed a sexual act in front of children at a play area in Cosmeston Park.

The incident happened between 10am and 10.30 am last Friday morning, August 19.

Two teenage girls, both from the Penarth area, were playing on the pirate ship in the children's play area at Cosmeston, when they saw a man standing in a wooded area.

The man had dropped his trousers to his ankles and was committing a sex act upon himself.

The girls, both aged 13, ran away from the scene immediately and told a parent, who reported the incident to the police.

The man is described as in his 40s with cropped dark brown or black hair. He was wearing a green or blue T-shirt and black trousers.

Acting Police Sergeant Grady, of the Penarth Community Police Department, said: "This is an appalling crime which we are taking extremely seriously.

"It is now our top priority in the Penarth area and we are doing everything possible to make sure this person is brought to justice.

"The fact that the victims are teenage children is particularly disturbing.

"We are urging parents in Penarth to be extremely vigilant.

"We have made an appeal for witnesses," he added.

"If members of the public notice anyone behaving in an unusual way, we would urge them to contact the police immediately.

"The case is being handled by a team of officers from Penarth CID and Penarth Community Police Department."

The crime is one of indecent exposure, which carries a custodial sentence and is dealt with under the new Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Anyone convicted of indecent exposure is entered on the Sex Offenders' Register.

If you have any information on this incident, contact Penarth Police on 029 2022 2111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.