IN the wake of a investigation into a masked and partially clothed man who jumped out of bushes and frightened a 10-year-old, police have issued safety guidance.

Just after 6pm on Sunday the man wearing an orange mask was seen in Seven Fields, Penhill. No attempt was made to grab her, although police said the incident caused her great distress.

The man then ran back into the bushes.

Police conducted a thorough area search of the bushes but could not locate the suspect. He was seen possibly heading in the direction of Penhill.

This follows a number of frightening incidents across the town where young girls have been targeted.

On July 2 a teenage jogger, also in Seven Fields, came face-to-face with a naked cyclist.

The teenager was running along the cycle paths when she heard a noise and looked around and saw a man walking out from the bushes.

He was naked except for a red cycle helmet. The victim ran off and called police.

The man is described as white, of slim build, with short dark brown hair.

In April a young girl walking home was approached by a scarf-wearing flasher outside Abbey Meads Community Primary School.

The girl was walking towards the footbridge that goes from Abbey Meads to St Andrews Ridge across Thamesdown Drive when a man emerged from the bushes on the near side of the bridge.

He had his face covered and wasn’t wearing a top, his trousers were round his ankles as he exposed himself to the victim.

He disguised his face with a red scarf wound round his head with only his eyes visible.

Police have now urged parents to teach kids the importance of safety when playing outside.

A spokesman said: “Wiltshire Police would like to remind all parents and guardians that incidents like these are rare, however it is important to remain vigilant and teach children not to talk to strangers.

"It is also important, especially now during the hot weather and lighter evenings, that parents know the location of their children if they are out playing in the nearby streets or fields or local play parks."

Anyone with information on the incidents should call police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred or in an emergency 999.