THREE little girls enjoying a birthday picnic at a seaside beauty spot fled in horror after a man performed an indecent act on an opposite clifftop.

The incident happened at Bishopstone Glen, near Herne Bay between 12.15-12.30pm on Saturday.

Police say a specialist team will investigate the offence and will bring in specially trained officers to talk to the children, aged nine and 10. They are taking the matter extremely seriously and urge anyone with information to contact them immediately.

The three schoolgirls had taken a picnic to the end of Reculver Drive. They had walked to the end of Bishopstone Glen and noticed a man, who was smoking, sitting on a metal bench along a footpath opposite.

He took off his jacket and placed it on the bench before standing up and performing an indecent act in front of the young friends. They ran to an elderly couple nearby who walked them to the end of the road.

The offender is described as white, about 36-37 years old, of stocky build with black, short hair swept back and gelled, a round face with a large nose. He was wearing a white t-shirt, black leather jacket and blue jeans with a brown belt.

A police official said that due to the children's young age police would have to call in specially trained officers to interview them. Anyone with information is asked to ring Canterbury police on 01227 762055 or the confidential, free Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.