Police search for suspicious man (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Police search for suspicious man

4:44pm Friday 26th September 2008 in Chippenham By Scott McPherson

POLICE in Chippenham are urging any witnesses to a string of suspicious incidents involving a man harassing women in the street to come forward.

They have received several reports from women in Swindon, Chippenham and Corsham relating to a man either asking women into his car or following them in the street.

The first incident happened in Threshers Road, Swindon, at 8.15am on September 12. When a man, described as black, of large build, with a beard and wearing a blue cap drove alongside a woman in a red car. He asked her to get in on several occasions before driving off.

The next incident happened in Hungerdown Lane, Chippenham, at 8am on September 13, when a black man of the same description drove alongside a woman in a red car and persistently told her she could have a lift with him.

Then on September 13 a man, matching the description, followed a young woman down Corsham High Street and harassed her until she walked away.

There was a final incident in Bradford on Avon this morning.

Heading up the investigation WPC Hannant of Chippenham CID said: "We are investigating these suspicious incidents and I am keen to hear from anyone who can identify this man or pass on information which can help with the investigation.

"We are unsure of this man's intentions.

"He is only engaging people in conversation and not trying to get anyone into his car.

"We take all incidents like this extremely seriously."

Anyone with information should contact WPC Hannant on 0845 408 7000 or anonymously, on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.