Do You Recognise This Man?

Surrey Police is hoping you can help identify a man who is suspected of taking a photograph of young children in a Leatherhead store on Tuesday, 15 March.

Sometime between 3.15pm and 3.30pm a 54-year-old grandmother was in Lidls, North Street, with her two grandchildren when she became aware a man had approached them.

The man took out his mobile phone and photographed the children, who are aged two and three. When challenged by store employees the man claimed he was the father but promptly left the shop. The man was not the father.

The man is described as white, 5ft 8' tall, clean shaven and with a shaved head. He was wearing Khaki-coloured trousers and a mustard coloured T-shirt. He was carrying a 'man' bag and had a dark jacket draped over his shoulder.

Local Safer Neighbourhood officers are aware of this incident and have increased patrols in the area.

Leatherhead Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Gaynor Grout said: "Whilst this man does not appear to have committed any offences his behaviour has given us real cause for concern and understandably it has worried the parent and grandparent of the children involved.

"We are taking this incident extremely seriously and have increased patrols as a result.

"We need to identify this man and explain to him that although he may have thought it was acceptable to photograph the children actually his actions have concerned those involved.

"I am appealing to anyone who thinks they recognise this man to come forward with his name so officers can resolve the matter."

If you were in or near Lidls, North Street, Leatherhead, on Tuesday, 15 March, between 3.15pm and 3.30pm Surrey Police would like to speak to you as you may have vital information. Please contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference MV/11/1130 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.