Published: Tuesday, 29th June, 2010 2:30pm

Police hunt Tweedbank flasher

Police have stepped up patrols in the area in a bid to reassure parents and catch the culprit. Meanwhile, a separate crime scene, between Jura Drive and Blakehope Court, was cordoned off by officers on Friday morning. It is not known if it is related.

POLICE are hunting a flasher on the loose in the Borders.

Two schoolgirls, aged 11, were left "extremely distressed" after being confronted by the man near Tweedbank.

They were on a path by the River Tweed, between Cotgreen Road and the old railway bridge, when he indecently exposed himself. The incident happened on Tuesday between 3pm and 5pm.

The suspect, who is believed to be aged between 22 and 25-years-old, was last seen running off in the direction of Langlee. He was described as white, 5ft 5ins to 5ft 10ins tall, and was wearing a blue short-sleeved top, possibly with a Scottish emblem, dark coloured baggy trousers and dark footwear.

A police spokesman said: "While the children weren't harmed, they were still extremely distressed as a result of what happened, and we are keen for any information that can help us identify the suspect.

"Anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have noticed anyone acting suspiciously there, should contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any other information that can help our inquiries, should also get in touch."

Police have stepped up patrols in the area in a bid to reassure parents.

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.