RESIDENTS are being warned to be on their guard after a naked man was seen in bushes in a park frequently visited by children.

Signs warning people were put up on bins over the weekends at King George’s field, in Labworth Road, Canvey.

They read: “Beware. Naked man seen in bushes yesterday, 3pm.

“Run off when approached.

“By dyke.”

It is unclear when the posters first appeared, or who they were posted by.

However, many residents have spotted them and appreciated the warning, especially if they were planning to let their children play there.

The field and park are popular attractions for youngsters, and in the warm weather it has been a busy area for them to play in over the last few days.

Barry Campagna, independent councillor for Canvey south ward, condemned the incident.

He added: “You get a lot of dog walkers on the field and teenagers playing football.

“There is a children’s play area on the field as well which is very popular.

“I had heard something mentioned about this, but I hadn’t realised it was at St George’s, which is in my ward.

“A lot of the dog walkers are women so it must be quite worrying for them that this has happened.

“I will be going down there to investigate now that I am aware and will be looking into the matter further.

“There are five entrances to the park, four which are official and then there is one in the corner which you can get through.

“I’m not sure how he did it, but he must have been local.

“We have never had it happen before.”

It is unclear whether the incident was reported to the police.

Mr Campagna encouraged residents to report any other sightings so that the perpetrator could be caught.

He added: “The man needs to be stopped.

“He shouldn’t be doing that.”

Sightings can be reported to Essex Police on 101 or online via an online form at essex.police.uk/do-it-online/report-non-emergency-crime

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org