OFFICERS are investigating two indecent exposure incidents which have taken place in Andover in the space of a week.

The first incident took place between 8.15pm and 8.30pm on Sunday, March 27 on the footpath area close to Mill Lake, at the back of Rooksbury Road, Mead Hedges and Sainsbury Close.

A woman was sitting on a bench when a man approached her and exposed himself.

The second incident happened between 4.15pm and 5pm on Wednesday, March 30 on a footpath close to the crossing near Pets at Home in Enham Arch Retail Park.

An 11-year-old girl was walking home from school when a man approached her and exposed himself.

DC Victoria Cobley from Northern CID said: “We know this is the second indecent exposure incident that has been reported and as part of every investigation strategy, we review similar crime types and link where evidentially appropriate. At this stage, these incidents are not being linked but our enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with any information should call 101, quoting 44220125693 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Reacting to the news, Test Valley Borough Council leader, Cllr Phil North, said: “I’m sickened that we have had two incidents of indecent exposure in our town recently. We must do everything we can to protect our children. I’m, therefore, glad the police are taking this so seriously.”

You can read the full story and reaction in this week's paper. Also in this week's edition:

  • ANDOVER'S MP, who is paid £115,824, said the cost-of-living rise will be “tricky” for his household, on the same day he was set to receive a pay rise of £2,212.
  • Andover officers have launched a new operation to tackle and reduce anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
  • Andover councillors who have been front and centre in finding solutions to ongoing anti-social behaviour in the town centre are calling for young people’s views to be listened to.
  • A Weyhill construction company has been fined for failure to maintain the braking system of a dumper truck which veered into a main road.
  • A project to rebuild two cottages in Monxton following a devastating thatch fire four years ago has been met with ‘infuriating’ barriers from the council, the project manager has said.
  • A passionate publican has taken over the running of a pub where she has many happy memories. 
  • Councillors have unanimously rejected ‘shoddy’ plans for 130 new homes at Augusta Park.
  • A care worker from Tidworth is calling on her housing association to address the chronic mould problem in her building. 
  • PLUS: Two pages of YOUR letters
  • Cllr Phil North's column
  • An eight-page puzzle special
  • Entertainment news
  • Sports news
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