A MAN was caught “with his trousers down” on a woodland path – as dog walkers are warned to be on high alert after a spate of men exposing themselves.

A 32-year-old walker, who wished to remain anonymous, explained how the man shouted “here boy” at her dog as she walked in Hockley Wood.

As she turned around she spotted the man with his trousers around his ankles.

He was described as wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap and said to be “pleasuring himself”.

The woods has seen a spate of men exposing themselves this year.

The latest incident on Monday afternoon sparked a response from residents on a Whatsapp group, with walkers now forced to be on high alert when walking through the woods.

The woman, from Hockley, said: “I was shocked more than anything, why would you do that?

“I am grateful it happened to me and not someone younger or more vulnerable.

“A friend of mine witnessed this last year and it really shook her up.

“I was more concerned about nobody else going down the path where he was.”

The Echo understands police officers handcuffed the man after he walked back to the car park, where the victim and other walkers were waiting.

The force told the Echo no arrests were made.

Simon Harvey, the creator of the group, said that if this situation arises, members of the group share their location.

He said: “People were really kind and went to her aid.

“That’s exactly what the group is for.”

A spokesman from Essex Police, said: “We were called shortly before 12.20pm on November 30 with reports a man had exposed himself to a woman in Hockley Woods off Main Road, Hockley.

“Officers attended and spoke to a man and the informant.

“From the information provided, no offences were confirmed.”