A COMMUNITY has been reassured after reports of a man indecently exposing himself in Dorchester.

A man has been arrested following an incident in the Fordington Fields area on Sunday night.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “We are investigating an incident where a male was seen exposing himself in the wooded area between the Fordington Fields housing estate and the A35 in Dorchester, at approximately 9pm on Sunday.

“A male in his early 30s was detained following the incident and he is currently helping officers with enquiries.”

Deputy Inspector Neil Wood, pictured left, of Dorchester Police, said the investigation is still ongoing and he would like to reassure residents, adding: “These incidents are rare and we would urge anybody who sees anything suspicious to call the police immediately.

“We will respond to any calls from the public.”

Mayor Peter Mann, pictured right, said: “I can understand that this is a very upsetting incident which would disturb many people, but I would want to reassure them that this is a very unusual and exceptional incident in Dorchester. We have a very good record of low crime rates and I have confidence that the police will be doing everything they can to protect the town.”

Town councillor David Taylor said the alleged incident was ‘highly unusual’ for Dorchester.

He added: “This sort of thing is unacceptable. I ask witnesses to urgently contact the police.”

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident or those who have witnesses any similar behaviour in the area to call police on 101, quoting incident number 14:360.