Man arrested after man seen masturbating in Stroud

A man has been arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency after it was reported a man in Stroud was seen masturbating.

Police are now asking for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information which could assist the investigation, to come forward. 

The incident happened around 3pm on Sunday (5 February) on a public footpath which goes over Dr Newton's Way near to Waitrose.

Two people who were walking along the footpath near the river and heading in the direction of Rodborough saw a man in the middle of the path.

It was reported that he had his trousers around by his knees and he was masturbating. There was also a bicycle on the path next to him.

One of the victims ran away from the man in the opposite direction and the other victim told the man to stop what he was doing.

Officers attended and patrolled the area, however the man was not located.

A 41-year-old man from Stroud was later arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency. He has since been released on police bail with conditions not to go to the canal path adjacent to and running alongside Dr Newton's Way, Stroud.

Stroud Police Sergeant SJ Tucker said: "The arrest of this suspect is a step in the right direction, but we acknowledge that we still have work to do. 

I want to be clear that we are unwavering and resolute in our commitment to keeping people safe, and we will take immediate action against anyone that commits offences of this nature and ensure they are brought to justice.

"We are here, we are listening and we see how these crimes impact victims and also cause fear for those in the wider community. We are determined to do everything we can to keep our community safe."

Anyone who has any information which could assist the ongoing police investigation is asked to contact officers online by completing the following form and quoting incident 264 of 5 February: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/