Police chase man who masturbated in front of child and mother at Cheltenham

Police are on the hunt for a man who masturbated in front a child and his mother.

It’s understood a woman took her two-year-old boy to the Stanley Avenue Reserve, Cheltenham, last Thursday.

About 10am she saw a man standing at the park gate watching her son on the slide.

He had his penis exposed and was masturbating.

Police said the man then ran down a nearby alleyway, which is also a thoroughfare through to Hoffman Street from the park.

The woman and her son were physically uninjured during the incident.

The alleged offender is described as being about 40-55 years old, perceived to be of Southern European appearance, tall with a solid build, short dark brown hair and facial hair on his chin.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a long sleeved collared top.

Police have released images from nearby CCTV and a facial composite image of a man they wish to speak to.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au