A young mum has warned parents about a man who indecently exposed himself on Southend seafront and played a sick game of hide and seek as she called police.

The 36-year-old mother-of-four from Hadleigh - who has asked not to be named - was shocked as the pervert committed an indecent act feet from where youngsters were enjoying the half-term break.

She was walking with her children and a friend when the man appeared at a jetty off Western Esplanade.

She said: "I called to the children, saw red and rang the police."

The incident, which took place around 1.30pm on Monday, left her shaken.

She also criticised the speed of the police response - but a spokesman said it was not unreasonable.

The police spokesman added: "Officers were on the scene in minutes and we are taking this report very seriously."

The pervert was in his early forties with short cropped dark hair, sunglasses and a goatee beard. He was around 6ft tall with a stocky build and he wore a grey striped sweatshirt, black jogging bottoms and trainers.

Anyone with information should contact Southend police on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002