A mum has warned parents to be vigilant after reporting a man touching himself near her child.

The Folkestone woman was at the beach with her two-year-old son in Sandgate when the incident occurred.

The concerned beachgoer, who asked to remain anonymous, said that she first spotted a "dark figure" close to the sandpit where she and her son were playing.

"When I looked up I saw a man by the steps, completely unclothed apart from a black poncho-type towel and a black beanie hat," she said.

"At first I thought it was a kayaker getting changed who hadn't noticed us, but on second glance I noticed he was looking directly at us."

Unfortunately the situation took a turn for the worse when the mum noticed the man seemed to be carrying out an indecent act.

"I realised that he was touching himself, and while I was looking he turned to us both and lifted his poncho to expose himself," she added.

"At that point I grabbed my son and ran up the ramp to the car. The whole scenario must have only lasted for seconds, I definitely didn't hang around."

When the pair made it to their car, the woman looked back and saw the man leave the beach via a set of stairs, get into a silver camper van and drive off.

The mum said that the experience on Wednesday, November 24 had left her shaken and thankful that it had not been worse.

"I was completely alone and just thankful that the car was parked above us," she explained.

"I reported it to the police immediately who have been in touch and have been really supportive. I just want to warn anyone in the area just to be vigilant and keep yours eyes peeled."

A police spokesman said officers had been made aware of the incident and asked for anyone who had witnessed it or anything similar to come forward.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/243796/21.