POLICE are investigating suspicious incidents in which a man approached young girls several times over a nine day period.

Four separate teenage girls have been approached in the street in Haywards Heath during October.

Between October 19 and 28 what is believed to be the same man was seen to approach the girls on seven separate occasions.

One of the girls was approached four different times.

On each occasion he engaged them in conversation and asked them to go with him. On three occasions he was seen to have a car.

In a statement police said: "All the girls very sensibly refused and reported the approaches. They were not attacked or injured."

The suspect is white with a tanned complexion, brown hair, and in his thirties. He was wearing a hoody and Covid-19 face mask.

The approaches are not all focused on any one locality in the town, and all but one took place during the afternoons.

Detective Inspector Ali Hutchings said: "We have been making intensive enquiries over the past two weeks and these continue. The victims are being supported by officers.

"The exact motive for these approaches has not been established at present but clearly this behaviour is concerning and offensive, and we need to identify this man."

Anyone who recognises this man, or who has witnessed any similarly suspicious behaviour in the area recently, is asked to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Vertical.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you see or experience any such approaches, do not engage with the person and call 999 right away.

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