POLICE patrols have been increased near a Workington school after a "stomach-turning" incident involving a prowling flasher.

Officers are investigating after a man exposed himself in front of a child and an adult at school finishing time in the wooded area between the Royal George pub and Ashfield Infant and Nursery School.

Parents were sent letters by the school following the incident this week, warning them to avoid the area.

Councillor Mike Heaslip, who represents the ward on the town and district councils, said: "It turns your stomach. I often walk my dog up that way, it's just very very sad that these sort of things happen.

"Some people round here really need treatment and taken out until they get their heads fixed."

Police are appealing for any witnesses to get in touch with them.

The man has been described as white, approximately in his 30s, dark hair, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall and was wearing a black tracksuit top and bottoms.

A parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "It's not good when these things happen, especially because we're talking about little kids.

"When I've taken my children to school this week I've been extra careful, keeping an eye out that nothing awful happened.

"I think the school have been really good in this situation, they're on top of it."

Rachel Field, headteacher, told parents in her letter: "We would like to reassure all our families that Ashfield Infant and Nursery school are following our safeguarding procedures to ensure that all our children are kept safe at all times during school hours. We have increased our staffing at playtimes and lunchtimes as a precaution."

She added the school was working with the police.

A spokesman for the force confirmed patrols of the area had been increased, however no arrests have been made so far.

Joe Holliday, who represents the area on the county council, is urging people to keep away from the spot. He said: "This is a serious incident, it's not a nice thing to be happening at all. That isn't an official pathway and I think people should keep away from there until the person responsible is caught."

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101, referencing incident 201 of September 17.

Always call 999 in an emergency.