POLICE are appealing for witnesses following reports of a mysterious balaclava-clad man approaching members of the public in Wellington.

A woman wrote on social media last week that she was walking her dog along Courtland Road in Wellington one evening when she was approached by a man and was left feeling “very vulnerable and shaken up.”

A police spokesman told the WWN: “We’ve received an online report relating to the actions of a male in Wellington.

“A woman reported she was walking with her dog in Courtland Road between 9pm and 10pm on Monday, August 12, when an unknown male approached her.

“The male is then said to have asked the woman to give him the dog. She refused and left the area.

“The male, who was described as in his late-teens or 20s, was said to be wearing black clothing and had his face covered.”

The woman, who had been approached by the man, writing on social media, said: “When I refused and tried to walk away he followed me and told me he was coming with me. After a few choice words from me, he finally ran off through the Wellington Cricket Club car park.

"Obviously I felt very vulnerable and shaken up."

The woman added: "I've since been reflecting on this and it makes me so angry to think about what is happening to our lovely town when it doesn't feel safe to take your dog out for an evening walk."

It is understood that two further women have commented online that they were approached in Beech Grove, Wellington, by a man also wearing black clothing and a balaclava and were asked to hand over their handbags, but again after a few choice words he ran off empty-handed.

More reports have been made by people with somebody approached at the cricket club where they were asked to hand over their wallet, but again the man ran off after being chastised; while a person of the same description was seen throwing stones and bricks onto the roof of the Wellington Sports Centre.

Police told the WWN that officers had only been notified about the incident in Courtland Road, but urged people to contact them if they had also been approached by a balaclava-wearing man and asked to hand over belongings.

“We’d ask anyone with information about the incident in Courtland Road on August 12, or may have experienced anything similar, to please get in touch and report it on 101 and quote reference number 5224219192,” said the police spokesman.

People can also phone the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111 and pass on information 100 per cent anonymously or they can go online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The website has advice on crime reduction including personal safety and protecting your home and property. 

One person, having seen the comments on social media, highlighted concerns to the WWN and said: “It’s very worrying about this loner’s behaviour and how it could develop such as,for example, he might start using a weapon.”