POLICE are searching for a man who approached a child and made "an inappropriate comment of a sexual nature" towards him.

At 10.45am on Saturday, the 11 year old boy was approached in the area of St Michael's Road and Tournament Road, Bemerton Heath by a man described as white, in his late thirties, of a skinny build and approximately 5ft 5.

He then made the inappropriate comment to the child, before walking off towards the Spar shop in Gainsborough Close.

Officers add that the man had a shaved head, large ears, and was wearing blue jeans and a long black leather coat.

PC Rachel Wood said: "An adult approaching a child and making these comments is absolutely unacceptable. It was a distressing experience and has had a big impact on the victim.

"I would like to hear from anyone who has information about the incident or the identity of the man described."

Inspector Pete Sparrow added: "We understand that parents will be concerned to hear about this incident, we are taking it very seriously and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward. Our Community Policing Team are conducting extra patrols and enquiries in order to identify this man. "

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Wood on 101 quoting reference 54190031279.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 anonymously.