Police have released a CCTV image of a man who allegedly followed two young girls through Dursley town centre on the night of Saturday, 7 October.

The unsettling incident unfolded around 19.45 BST when the two girls, aged 11 and 12, were walking down Castle Street, from its junction with Long Street, heading towards Sainsbury’s. They observed a man, believed to be in his 40s, beginning to follow them. The girls subsequently changed direction, turning back towards Long Street, only to notice that the man had also reversed his course and continued to shadow them.

In a quick-thinking move, as the girls neared Long Street, they decided to run, prompting the man to also break into a run. Fortunately, a bystander who had witnessed the unfolding scene intervened, blocking the man’s path, causing him to immediately divert his direction.

The man did not initiate any conversation with the girls, nor did he attempt any physical contact. Nonetheless, police are eager to speak with him to understand his actions.

Investigating officers have launched an appeal to identify the man in the CCTV image to further their enquiries into the incident.

Sergeant Garrett Gloyn, of Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team, stated: “This was a very concerning incident involving two young girls. While there is nothing to suggest that the man had any criminal intention, his behaviour was clearly threatening and left the girls in a state of fear. We would like to identify the man involved so we can speak to him further about what has happened.”

In response to the incident, extra patrols have been deployed throughout Dursley today to provide reassurance to the community.

Members of the public who recognise the man in the CCTV image are urged to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through their website, quoting incident 374 of 7 October: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/