OFFICERS investigating an assault in Verdin Park say the same bearded man wearing a skirt could be behind three incidents in the past year.

Police are appealing for information following an assault on a teenage girl shortly after 9pm on Sunday, January 3.

Three teenage girls were sitting on a park bench overlooking Castle Street, but they began to walk off after being approached by an unknown man.

One of the girls was then assaulted before being chased out of the main entrance of the park, where the girls ran out onto Castle Street, before running across Town Bridge, near the Bull Ring.

The girl was not injured but was left shocked and distressed by the incident.

The man is described as white, aged 30 to 40 years old, approximately 6ft tall, with a long light coloured beard.

He was wearing a black beanie style hat, black fleece zipped coat and a long red skirt down to his ankles that appeared to have a pattern on.

Cheshire Police says a man of similar description has done similar offences in Northwich and Macclesfield over the last few months.

Sgt Andy Cooper said: “This man’s behaviour is of concern and we have been making every effort to identify the person responsible.

"The offences have been sporadic, but we have had three reported cases now in 12 months.

“Whilst conducting our enquiries we have identified a man who may have witnessed the girls running out of the park on the night.

"We are keen to speak with him as he may have valuable information that could help us with our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or online at cheshire.police.uk quoting IML 887990.

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Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you see anyone matching the description acting suspiciously, or have any information on who this may be, contact police on 101, or 999 if a crime is taking place.