SEX pests have struck four times in as many days, flashing at three women and a group of schoolgirls.

Detectives said they were unsure whether some of the incidents, on the canal towpath in Towneley Park and in the town centre, were linked.

In the first incident, a 39-year-old was walking along the path near Gannow Wharf when she was approached by a man who flashed at her.

She screamed and the man ran off. He was white, 5ft 8in, aged 20 to 30, with short dark, streaky hair, wearing a white T-shirt with blue on the collar.

At about 6.30pm on the same day, a 36-year-old woman was riding her horse on the towpath in Daneshouse when she was approached by an Asian man in his 50s who exposed himself.

Police said he had stubble, rimless glasses and wore a green and cream T-shirt and mauve bomber jacket.

On Monday, at shortly before 3pm, three 14-year-old girls were walking in Ormerod Road near Thompson Park when they were approached by a man who dropped his trousers.

Detectives say he was white, 5ft 8ins, with dark hair, clean shaven, wearing blue check shorts and a dark T-shirt.

At 7.30pm the same day police say a woman was near the tennis courts in Towneley Park when she was approached by a 15-year-old who exposed himself.

Det Sgt Stuart Dixon, of Burnley CID, said: "We are not linking the incidents at this stage but we would appeal for anyone who may have information to get in touch."

Call police on 01282 472241 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.