A ‘LAUGHING’ flasher who could have struck seven times in Clitheroe is being hunted by police.

Police said a man had exposed himself to schoolgirls three times in less than a week.

And they said they were linking the cases with four other indecent exposures in the Ribble Valley town over the last 18 months.

Detectives said the pervert’s victims had been left ‘scared and vulnerable’.

Sergeant Graham Marshall from Clitheroe police asked parents to be vigilant, and revealed patrols had been increased in the area.

"This man seems to be exposing himself on a regular basis in as particular locality and we are extremely concerned." he said.

"He needs to be caught and if he wants to ring me we will ensure that he gets the proper help that he needs."

The first incident happened in Victoria Street on June 30 at around 2.45pm whilst schools were on strike.

He exposed himself in an alleyway in front of a 14-year-old girl before she ran away and alerted the police.

The second incident happened on June 1 in an alleyway off Newton Street, around the corner from Victoria Street, when the man again flashed at a 12-year-old girl between 8am and 8.20am.

He carried out the third incident in an alleyway between Brownlow Street and Turner Street on June 4 at 1.25pm in front of a 13-year-old girl.

Police said on some occasions the man had been laughing while exposing himself.

He was described as white, in his mid 20s to mid 30s with short dark scruffy hair and was repeatedly seen wearing navy blue workpants.

Police have made some arrests but no charges have been bought against any individuals.

Call Clitheroe police on 01200 443 344 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.