A MAN was seen touching himself in a park near Basildon town centre - sparking a police investigation. 

Police are hunting for a man after he allegedly exposed himself to a woman and her two-year-old daughter.

The woman was walking with her daughter as they walked through the park just minutes away from the Eastgate shopping centre. 

The incident took place shortly after 3pm yesterday. 

Essex Police are now hunting for the man and the mum's Facebook post detailing the incident has gained traction online. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called with reports of a man indecently exposing himself in a park near the Eastgate shopping centre in Basildon at about 3.05pm on Tuesday, August 21.

“He was described as white, aged about 40, around six foot tall and had short, brown hair. He wore a dark green vest top with dark green khaki shorts and had a dark coloured shopping bag.”

Anyone with information was asked to dial 101, ask for the Basildon Local Policing Team and quote reference 42/121111/18.