A SERIAL flasher has been accused of grabbing women and chasing them back to their homes, leaving them fearful to walk in parks alone.

More than a dozen women have seen a “bearded man expose himself ” in the middle of a woodland near Willow Park, near the Westley Heights Country Park, since last summer.

A woman in her 50s is the latest victim, who “ran like a whippet” from the flasher on Wednesday morning, in broad daylight.

A police probe has been launched into the long line of incidents, with plain clothed and uniform patrols taking place.

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Lorraine Borley, who lives in the area, launched a walking group in response to speaking to victims.

The 54-year-old, said: “It’s snowballed since last summer. I’ve only been out once in the park on my own. A lot of women don’t want to now.

“We need to carry alarms in the area.

“It’s going to get to the point where something more serious is going to happen. If he’s already grabbing people and chasing people who knows what he’s capable of.”

The man has been described as just over six foot, wearing dark clothing, and having facial hair.

This broadly matches a police description issued in relation to Wednesday’s incident.

In February, two women were attacked on the same day, while two weeks later, two women were also attacked by a man.

Kerry Smith, councillor of the Nethermayne ward, added: “This man needs to be caught and arrested, before something more serious happens. It’s in broad daylight, we need an undercover police operation.”

A spokesman from Essex Police, said: "The man did not say anything and fled the area.

“He is described being tall, was wearing dark blue shorts and a navy cap and has fine facial hair.

“We are aware of a number of exposure incidents in Basildon and we have had a plan in place which includes both plain clothes and uniform patrols.

“Our team of officers have a good description of a man we believe to be involved, and these patrols will continue.”

Call 101 quoting 42/115317/21.