Concerns have been raised over dog walkers being left “isolated” and “extremely vulnerable” while out by themselves following reports of a man exposing himself.

A dog walker was passing through an area of woodland near the playground between Heron Lane and Robin Way in Didcot at around 8.15pm on Monday, July 15 when a man allegedly exposed himself.

Police have since launched an investigation into the incident and have described the man, who was standing next to the path, as wearing a grey hoodie and black tracksuit bottoms.

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Earlier this month, there were reports of a man who exposed himself to a female dog walker in a field in Henley.

There have also been a number of exposure incidents during the past month in Oxford, Woodcote and Bodicote.

Amanda Elderfield, owner of South Oxon Pet Services for 12 years, said her business has moved into a secure paddock due to safety concerns.

“Nothing like that has happened to us, but you are extremely vulnerable walking on your own,” she said.

She added: “You can be well out in the countryside and you are very isolated. Anything can happen.

“It’s not just that, it could be in a park and these things are happening in the town as well.

“You are quite vulnerable walking.”

A local dog walker, who asked to remain anonymous, revealed that she had previously come across a man exposing himself while she was in East Hendred.

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She said: “A couple of years ago, I had a guy who did it to me and one of my team. He was stood in the woods naked, but he was let off as he said he was a naturist.

“If somebody exposed themselves to me in front of all my dogs, they would see it as threatening behaviour and they wouldn’t be very happy, so I try not to worry.”

She added that the dog walking group she is part of has “strict procedures” to ensure the safety of their members and dogs.

“We have quite strict procedures in how we deal with things, if we are having an issue. We usually walk within close proximity to each other,” she said.

“While we can’t walk together as it would be too many dogs, we walk in similar areas so if anything does happen then someone can get to us quite quickly.”

Thames Valley Police has launched an appeal for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident near Robin Way playground to come forward.

A police spokesperson said: "If you have any information in relation to this incident please call 101 quoting the reference number 43240336628."