Police in Bedfordshire have launched a major hunt for a suspected serial flasher who has been repeatedly exposing himself near a secondary school over the past month.
Pattern of Incidents Near School Underpass
The incidents are concentrated around Mark Rutherford School in Bedford, with the majority occurring near an underpass close to the school grounds. The first report was filed in late September, and the most recent confirmed incident took place on November 11.
Authorities believe the individual may have struck more times than officially reported, as some incidents likely went unreported. A police spokesman confirmed that most exposures have happened in the Wentworth Drive area of Bedford, specifically around the school underpass, though some have occurred elsewhere in the vicinity.
Police Response and Public Appeal
In response to the distressing pattern, Bedfordshire Police have initiated extra patrols in the area. The increased police presence aims to identify the suspect and reassure the concerned public.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Keepin described the series of events as both ‘inappropriate’ and ‘deeply distressing’. She emphasised the serious nature of the crimes, stating, ‘This isn’t just inappropriate, it’s illegal. It can be deeply distressing and is often used to intimidate, harass, or groom.’
Advice for Potential Witnesses or Victims
DS Keepin has issued clear guidance for anyone who might witness or experience such an incident. The advice is to immediately move to a safe place, avoid confrontation, and report it to the police as soon as possible.
She stressed the importance of reporting, explaining that it helps police identify individuals who may pose a risk to others and allows them to target patrols in areas where these behaviours are happening. The police are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward to aid their investigation.
