Detectives are investigating suspicious approaches to several young girls in the street in Haywards Heath during October.
Between 19 and 28 October what is believed to be the same man was seen to approach a total of four separate teenage girls in the street, on seven separate occasions, one of them four times.
He would engage the girls in conversation then ask them to go with him. On three occasions he also brought a car.
All the girls refused to go with him and none were attacked or injured. They reported the man to the police every time he approached them.
The suspect is described as white with a tanned complexion, with brown hair, and in his thirties. He was wearing a hoody and Covid-19 face mask.
The approaches are not all focused on any one locality in the town and all but one took place during the afternoons.
Detective Inspector Ali Hutchings said:
"We have been making intensive enquiries over the past two weeks and these continue. The victims are being supported by officers.
"The exact motive for these approaches has not been established at present but clearly this behaviour is concerning and offensive, and we need to identify this man.
"Anyone who recognises this man, or who has witnessed any similarly suspicious behaviour in the area recently, is asked to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Vertical.
"Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
"If you see or experience any such approaches, do not engage with the person and call 999 right away."
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