WORRIED women have started an awareness campaign to expose the identity of a flasher who has terrified vulnerable victims at a popular Bradford beauty spot.

At least five women have been targeted by the pervert, who follows lone victims and then hides in bushes before exposing himself, committing an indecent act and hurling abuse.

The incidents have taken place around Thornton viaduct and a cycle path along a disused railway which is part of the Great Northern Trail.

Local resident Julie Drake, who has helped organise the awareness campaign, said she had been made aware of at least five incidents, but feared there were more victims who had not reported it.

"He followed one woman from the village store, overtook her and was waiting in bushes when she walked past. When she saw him she screamed out and he fled. It was a terrifying situation. You are so vulnerable as a woman on your own."

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Mrs Drake, who is not one of the victims, warned the behaviour of the suspect could escalate if he was not caught.

She said: "The concern is what he will do next. These people tend to progress to more serious offences. If he is not caught, a woman may end up being raped."

She said the pathway was popular with dog walkers, cyclist, horse riders and runners, and women on their own were vulnerable.

More than 40 people, including members of Thornton Women's Running Club, took part in a walk along the cycle path to highlight the campaign.

Mrs Drake said: "We were stopping other women and alerting them to the situation. It was amazing how many did not know about this man.

"It begs the question how many incidents have gone unreported. We would ask any woman who has not reported a similar incident, to do so.

"We have talked about doing the walk again. It's about raising awareness, and hopefully we can get the message out there."

Sergeant Al Milner, of the Bradford West Area Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are aware of three reports of indecent exposure which occurred close to the viaduct in Thornton Road, Thornton, between March 10 and 19.

“A man in his 20s was arrested in connection with these incidents, but was later released without charge.

“The suspect is described as a white man in his early 20s, 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall and of average build. He is believed to wear a dark woollen beanie-style hat and is also believed to have scars on his face.

“Anyone who might have seen this man or might recognise him from this description is asked to contact the Bradford West Area Neighbourhood Team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”