POLICE believe the same “well-mannered” man is behind two similar indecent exposure incidents in the last week around North Finchley.

Two women have reported separate incidents in which a man in a car started to masturbate after pulling over to ask them for directions.

The first incident happened in Southover on Wednesday, May 18, at about 8.30am. The second happened in Hillcourt Avenue on Sunday, May 22, just before 7pm.

The first told officers that the man conducted himself in a well-mannered and calm way during the incident, which gave her the impression that he had done the same thing before.

Both victims gave a similar description of a large build white man with an English accent, in his 30s, with short dark blonde or light brown hair, and driving a small blue or grey car.

Detective Constable Sandrine Manceau, of Barnet CID, appealed for other women who may have fallen prey to the man to come forward.

She added: “The grossly indecent behaviour of this individual is amplified by the fact that he is committing these crimes in the vicinity of schools and has clearly started doing so with some frequency.

Anyone with any information can call police on 0300 123 1212 or Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 2412126/11.