Police hunt 'naked cyclist' after series of complaints from women

A naked cyclist stalking women joggers has left police officers scratching their heads.

Investigators are examining a series of sightings of the sex pest close to the River Thames in Barnes, west London.

Women saw the man, either completely naked or naked from the waist down, exposing himself to them as they walked or jogged on towpaths and riverside roads.

But despite a large number of reports, in one case after a woman recognised the man again when he was fully clothed, officers have not been able to identify him.

Senior officers are concerned about the incidents, especially after the man attempted to speak to several women.

Richmond borough commander Detective Chief Superintendent Rick Turner has been informed of the man's activities.

Three women made official complaints over the summer but officers are also following up a series of sightings in recent weeks.

The first reported incident took place in May when two girls aged 15 and 16 saw the semi-naked man get on a bicycle in Londsale Road, Barnes.

In June, a second crime report was made when a 28-year-old woman jogger saw the man hiding in undergrowth on the towpath between Kew Green and Twickenham Bridge.

As she returned, the man, who was semi-naked, attempted to speak to her before cycling away.

In July, a woman jogger in her early 20s reported that a naked man cycled past her on the towpath between Barnes Bridge and Hammersmith Bridge.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the cyclist has been described as white and about 30 years old.

He said: "We are taking this extremely seriously and need to identify this man as a matter of urgency.

"The isolated locations that these incidents have occurred coupled with the lone female victims increases our level of concern.

"This man does not appear to have threatened anyone but we do need to identify him and speak to him about his behaviour.

"If anyone has any information or witnesses this man they are asked to contact police immediately."