DETECTIVES are appealing for information about a man suspected of flashing at a teenage girl as she walked home from a Wirral school yesterday.

The 15-year-old was walking home through an alleyway opposite St Oswald's church on Bidston Village Road when a man, in paint covered clothes shouted after her, asking for the time.

When she turned around she saw he was indecently exposing himself to her.

The girl ran off and told her parents, who called police.

Although she was not touched or physically hurt by the offender, she has been left extremely upset by what happened yesterday at 4.20pm.

The man is described as white, in his 20s, of slim build with short dark hair. He was wearing a black, zip-up jumper and blue denim jeans, both of which were covered in white paint stains.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed this specific incident or has seen a man matching the suspect's description to call them.

Detective Inspector Mark Tivendale, said: "This was a disturbing incident for this teenage girl but she did exactly the right thing in running away and telling her parents.

"The man we need to speak to is very distinctive due to his clothes being covered in white paint and I am sure people will have seen him in the area yesterday afternoon.

"It is important we trace him so I am appealing for the public's help.

"Even information that may seem trivial, could be significant to us so please come forward."

Call Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

DI Tivendale added: "I would like to reassure parents and teachers that incidents like this are rare and we are taking it extremely seriously.

"Neighbourhood officers will be highly-visible on the streets in this area so that anyone with information or concerns can speak to them and an investigation by CID is underway.

"We are also working with the schools to ensure children remain safe when walking to and from school."