POSTERS falsely accusing a man of child sex abuse have appeared near schools in the Lechlade area.

More than 20 posters, which feature a photograph and the words 'Watch Out. He is into sex with little girls under 12' are being investigated by the police.

Officers have reassured the public that the man featured is not a threat to children.

Gloucestershire Constabulary has stressed that he has no convictions for sexual offences and is not under investigation for any sex crimes.

Now police are appealing for the public's help in tracking down the person behind the hate campaign.

PC Tim Giffiths, of Cirencester police, said: "We believe these posters have been maliciously circulated by someone who has a grudge against this man.

"Circulating material of this type is extremely irresponsible because it worries people unecessarily and unecessaryily increases the fear of crime in the area.

"Whoever did this may think their actions are funny and consider the whole thing a bit of a joke, but to parents concerned about the safety of their children it's anything but."

He said the culprit could face charges of harassment.

The victim could also sue the perpetrator for defamation.

Posters were discovered near schools in Lechlade, Kempsford, Fairford and Cirencester.

Anyone who finds a copy is being asked to hand it in to the police with details of where they found it.

Anyone with additional information should call Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234,

Or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Tamash Lal