A SCRUFFY sex offender with discoloured teeth is being hunted by police following a series of incidents in north Bournemouth.

At least eight women have been targeted by the man whose crimes range from sexual touching to inappropriate sexual comments.

Police said female victims in the Poole Lane area of West Howe have been left shaken and upset by the actions of the man, though not physically hurt.

Now detectives have appealed for information from the public in a bid to catch him before he strikes again.

They also believe there may be other victims and have urged them to come forward.

The incidents were reported between June 29 and August 22 and most took place between 5pm and 7pm.

Investigating officer DC Steve Sutton of Bournemouth CID said one offence took place at midnight and most of the incidents were on weekdays.

"All the victims have been walking alone at the time of the incidents," said DC Sutton.

"I suspect that the same man may be responsible for each of these incidents.

"I'm committed to finding this man and I need the public's help to do so."

The man is described as 5ft 4in to 5ft 6in tall, between 20 and 35 years old, of thin to medium build, clean-shaven and with shaved or very short dark hair.

Victims have told police he has prominent dark eyebrows, discoloured teeth and is of scruffy appearance, possibly wearing a dark coloured hooded top or tracksuit.

Inspector Mike Claxton, section commander for north Bournemouth, added: "Dorset Police is taking these incidents very seriously and such criminal behaviour is unacceptable.

"To have a number of incidents in one area is most unusual and I have ensured that increased visible patrols have been carried out."

Inspector Claxton urged women to be vigilant and to walk alone only when necessary.

  • A 27-year-old Bournemouth woman was allegedly attacked between 1.30pm and 3pm on Saturday, on a ramp in Asda's underground car park in Oxford Road.

Det Con Hatef Nezami from Dorset Police said: "I'm particularly keen to speak with a man of mixed race who has blonde hair and is in his 20s.

"He was wearing knee-length white shorts and a T-shirt of some sort."

A 44-year-old man has been arrested and will appear at Bournemouth Crown Court.

  • Anyone with information on either case can call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

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