The incidents were reported between 8 and 17 November in several roads near the Jackson’s Field area.

Officers were called on Wednesday 8 November after two schoolgirls reported a man following them in Fort Pitt Street, who appeared to be indecently exposing himself. The incident happened between 10am and 10.20am.

The second incident was reported to have happened between 7.30am and 7.45am on Thursday 9 November near the row of shops in Ordnance Street. Four schoolgirls reported seeing a man standing near shrubbery who was in a state of undress.

The third incident was reported to have happened on Wednesday 15 November between 12pm and 12.40pm on the pathway near Jackson’s Field, New Road. The man was alleged to have indecently exposed himself while standing near to a hedge.

Officers are also investigating a fourth incident which was reported to have happened on Friday 17 November at around 7.50am on an unpaved road off Fort Pitt Hill. Three schoolgirls reported seeing a topless man standing near shrubbery.

The suspect has been described as white, of slim build and average height.

In one incident he was reported as wearing a black coat, grey tracksuit bottoms, black boots and a green hat with a black satchel style bag.

In another incident he was described as wearing a blue tracksuit with white stripes on the legs.

Detective Constable Sanj Tanday of Kent Police said: ‘I understand incidents of this nature can be alarming but I want to reassure the community that we are actively patrolling the area and are continuing to carry out enquiries to locate the suspect. We are also in touch with local schools and other stakeholders.’

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01634 792500, quoting reference 46/198778/23. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use the online form.

Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.