YOUNG children are being targeted by a man who is said to have been masturbating in front of them.

At least two girls, one of primary school age, are known to have been targeted by the man in the Hove area over the past week.

He is said by worried parents to be around 30-years-old but police have not confirmed this.

People should call the police if they see the man carrying out further sex acts or have more information.

There are two known incidents.

The man is said to have masturbated in front of a secondary school aged girl in St Leonard’s Road, Hove, on Friday Morning as children headed to school.

Residents said he did it again in front of the primary school aged girl in New Church Road near Brittany Road on Monday morning.

Conservative councillor Robert Nemeth represents the area in which both incidents happened, on Brighton and Hove City Council.

He hopes the man can be stopped before any further incidents.

He said: “It was of course hugely concerning to hear that these incidents have taken place in Wish Ward.

“As a community, we are sharing as much information as possible.

“I hope that the individual who is responsible is identified swiftly.”

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “An investigation is underway following the report of a man exposing himself to two schoolchildren in Hove.

“A report was received of a man exposing himself to a teenage girl in St Leonards Gardens, Hove, at about 7.40am on Friday.

“Police also received a report of a man exposing himself to a young schoolgirl between Brittany Road and Roman Road, Hove, around 7.30am on Monday.

“Prevention Youth Officers will be working closely with local schools and the investigation continues.

“Anyone with information should report online or call 101 quoting 1158 of 28/01.”

Hove Junior School is in nearby Portland Road

A description of a man has been shared online by a resident in a bid to identify the offender but that has not yet been confirmed by the police.

Other details being shared on social media have not yet been confirmed by Sussex Police.

The post from the resident reads: “Both times the man has shown himself to the girls and masturbated in front of them.”

It is not clear which schools the girls attend.

There are no secondary schools close to the incidents.