A female dog walker was followed by a hoodied male who masturbated at her in a park in Chester on Saturday, (November 22).

And in a separate incident a man was spotted pleasuring himself outside a school in Blacon.

Police have stepped up patrols in Westminster Park and near Blacon Point Road following the incidents, which are currently been treated as ‘separate’.

And officers are warning dog walkers not to go out alone or to walk in isolated areas as they hunt for the men, after the incidents which police say are a cause for ‘real concern’.

The 52-year-old woman was walking her pet close to Westminster Park playing fields when she heard a man behind her at around 7.30pm.

When she turned around she saw a man, thought to be in his 20s, who had his genitalia exposed and was masturbating ‘towards her’ whilst making ‘sexually suggestive comments’, say police.

And as she walked to her car, the man, who was wearing a black hoodie and black trousers, followed her at a distance – but left when she got to her vehicle.

The woman was not physically touched or harmed during the incident which took place near to the café adjacent to the playing fields, say police.

During a second incident on the same night, just after midnight, a man living on Blacon Point Road saw a male, described as white, in his mid-twenties and wearing a blue tracksuit top and jeans, masturbating in the road.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information about either incident to come forward, saying these kinds of crimes are ‘thankfully rare’.

Inspector Brian Green, of the Chester Outer Neighbourhood Unit, said: “Thankfully, incidents of this nature are rare but that said, we take them very seriously and want to do everything we can to identify those responsible and prevent any further offences or escalation.

"Investigations continue into the matters to try and identify those responsible.

“Although there are similarities in the offences with regards to the description there is a good time parameter between the two incidents and they are in different areas of the city.

“At this, stage without more, they are not being linked but we will remain open minded and review them further as information is obtained.

“I would ask that members of the public whilst out walking their dogs in the more isolated or secluded locations consider doing so with others and also use well lit and well-trodden paths in close proximity to others. You may see an increased Policing presence in these areas and this is to offer reassurance."

Anybody with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on Telephone 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111