POLICE are hunting a sex pest in a bright yellow car who has approached women to ask if he can take pictures of them.

The first incident happened on Saturday as a woman made her way to the railway station at Yarm, near Stockton, at about 1.15pm.

The man, who was driving a yellow Fiat Punto, deliberately drove past the woman a number of times as she walked through the residential area, before he stopped and approached her.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said he pulled up beside her and asked if she would like to get into his car, so he could take pictures of her. He offered her £200, but the woman declined and walked away.

The second incident happened at 7.20pm on Monday after a woman had gone into a garage in Thirsk Road, Yarm. On returning to her car, the man was waiting for her and asked if she wanted to be a model.

He then got into her car and attempted to assault her. She asked him to leave and he got out of her car and drove off.

The police spokeswoman said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents, or perhaps been approached themselves, to come forward. If you are in a situation that you are uncomfortable with, don't be afraid to make a scene, or get help from somebody nearby and then do call police."

The sex pest is described as being in his late 40s or 50s, with cropped, grey hair and a stubble beard. On both occasions, he was wearing a cream fleece jacket. He may also have spoken with a southern accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Simon Moore on (01642) 302226.