POLICE have stepped up patrols to hunt a sex pest who struck in an alley close to a recreation ground.

The 22-year-old victim was walking alone along an alleyway from Pine Road to Hiltingbury Recreation Ground, in Chandler’s Ford, when a man approached from the opposite direction.

He stopped then exposed himself to her and performed a sex act.

She walked away but was left upset and distressed by the incident, which happened on Tuesday, between 6.15pm and 6.45pm.

The man is described as white, in his mid-40s, 5ft 10in, of medium build, with greying hair and facial stubble and was wearing three-quarter-length khaki trousers and a grey T-shirt.

Police, who say the area is popular with dog walkers, are making further inquiries and have increased patrols to reassure the public.

They are appealing for anyone who has information, or who may have seen someone fitting this description, to call Eastleigh police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.