CHILDREN have been approached on the street and “inappropriately touched” by a man in a series of incidents in Potters Bar.

Last night, a man on a bike approached a group of 11-year-old girls playing in Oakmere Park, Potters Bar High Street, at around 5pm.

He told them he was investigating a report from police about theft of alcohol and needed to search them – and if they refused he would call the police.

But he then touched the girls inappropriately all over their clothing and checked the pockets of a boy who was with them.

In another incident, two 11-year-old boys were walking along Shrublands on November 3 at 5.30pm when they were approached by a man from behind in the alleyway that leads to Elmfield Close.

The man pushed one of the boys to the floor inside the alley and searched him before taking his rucksack which had his phone in and touched him inappropriately.

In a third, which police are linking to the other two crimes, a ten-year-old girl was approached in Santers Lane at 4.30pm on Octoebr 19.

A man walked past the girl before turning back and walking past her again before grabbing her bag but she threw a drink in his face and he ran off. The man did not touch the girl.

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid to late 20s with short, dark curly hair. On November 9 he was wearing a dark blue or black puffa jacket and blue jeans with 92.COM on the left leg.

He was riding a black pedal cycle.

Detective Inspector Matt Phillips said: “We fully appreciate people, particularly children and their parents may be concerned about this series of incidents and I would like to reassure you we are doing all we can locate the suspect.

“We have increased patrols of both officers in high-visibility and plain clothes in the area. We are also working with local schools to offer reassurance and advice.

“Whilst we do have a number of lines of inquiry, I would urge members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The description of him is relatively distinctive so please do call police if you can help to identify the man or if you believe you see him.

“I would also like to remind children police officers would always carry a warrant card and a radio and would never ask a member of the public to search a child.”

Anyone who can assist is asked to contact the Herts Police non-emergency number 10.

The following safety advice has been issued by police:

• When out and about, walk with a friend and keep a mobile phone handy but hidden. But don’t use your mobile while walking around on the street.

• In an emergency, always dial 999. An emergency is when there is danger of injury to a person or damage to property. If you see a crime in progress, you must always dial 999 and ask for the police.

• If someone grabs your bag, let it go. Remember your safety is more important than property.

• When it’s dark try to keep to well-lit, busy roads and avoid taking short-cuts or routes through parks, alleys or car parks. Be aware of what is going on around you.

• If you think someone is following you, go to the nearest place which is well-lit or busy, for example a shop or petrol station and ask for help.