Officers renew hunt for pervert on Stray

Detectives in Harrogate have pledged to track down a pervert responsible for a series of indecent exposure incidents on the historic Stray – despite a two-year chase.

The man is believed to have struck more than a dozen times in the Tewit Well and Stray Rein area of the spa town in the last 24 months.

However despite several operations to try to catch the man – who has frequently been reported as wearing a fur-lined Russian hat – police have yet to track him down.

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Lone women joggers and dog-walkers have been frequently targeted over the last two years, sparking numerous police warnings that women should not walk across the Stray alone.

The most recent incident took place last Thursday when a 43-year-old local woman was walking along a footpath that leads from Tewit Well Road and York Place.

A naked man jumped out from behind a bush and exposed himself to the dog walker at about 9.30pm.

He did not approach the woman but she was left extremely shocked, the police said.

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Officers believe the incidents are linked and are appealing for information to help to track down the elusive man.

Detective Constable Helen Quaife, of Harrogate CID, said: “The police are advising people to be aware of this man and I urge anyone who witnesses similar suspicious activity to get in touch immediately.

“Although it is important to note that he hasn’t harmed anyone, this man’s behaviour is totally unacceptable.

“We are appealing to anyone who can help to identify him, to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.”

The man is white, aged between 30 and 40, about 6ft with a slim to medium build.

Officers urge anyone with any information to contact Harrogate CID on 0845 606 0247.

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