Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Indecent exposure incident in Finsbury Park - please be aware!
I had the unfortunate experience of being subjected to a very distressing indecent exposure incident in Finsbury Park yesterday mid-afternoon where a man targetted me, initially without me knowing, then proceeded to move closer to me over the course of an hour. Eventually, when he got too close to me for comfort I picked up my things to leave and as I did he called out to me. When I turned round he was lying on his side exposing and playing with himself.
It was a very shocking and disturbing incident, especially as it was the middle of the day in an open area of the park (near the outdoor gym by the Endymion Road entrance) with other people nearby - I saw a lady using a laptop in front of me and a lady with a young baby to the side, as well as people using the gym, which is why I had chosen that spot to sit in the first place, thinking it safe with others around. I made a report to the police, and the description I gave was a black male around mid/late30s, close cropped hair, wearing a royal blue t-shirt with some kind of print on it, black trainers and black running shorts (the really short ones).
It's really shaken me up, and I wanted to make others aware to be on their guard in the park.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Pembysingsong on
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God that's terrible Sharon - I had a similar thing happen to me, years ago, but it still makes me shudder to think of it and I remember it took me a long time to get over, so I really feel for you. Thanks for letting us know about it and giving the detailed description. Good that you informed the police. Take care.
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Permalink Reply by Sharon on
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Thank you. I was a bit of a mess yesterday but thanks to a lovely neighbour and another friend I wasn't alone for the rest of the day which was very much appreciated!
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Permalink Reply by Sophie Smith on
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Sorry to hear that Sharon, thanks for the warning.
I've heard in these situations it's best to say indifferently "Hm. That looks like a penis only much smaller." I think they want you to shriek and run away.
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As I got up to leave he called out and asked me to take a photo - I turned round to ask him of what then saw what he was doing. I picked up the rest of my stuff and calmly said "No I don't think so" and just walked off. It was only later that I realised the creep had actually targeted me and had been staring at me for the best part of an hour.
I had another incident on the tube at rush hour when it was too packed to even turn round. After that I rehearsed what I would say/do if it happened again but it was such a shock and so unexpected in the open on a sunny day that my mind just went blank!
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Sounds like you handled it as best you could. What a creep.
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Permalink Reply by Sarah on
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There have been reports of similar on Hampstead Heath recently too. The police have warned women to be on their guard.
That annoys me somewhat as I think these men are mostly harmless - even if these incidents are distressing I don't think the women are in danger, as the men just get their kicks from the public nature of the behaviour and the reaction. Obviously the perpetrators ought to be stopped but I don't believe women ought to change their behaviour...
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If you think they're harmless that's great - sounds like you've had the good luck not to have anything like this happen to you, which is nice to hear. I, and many others, find such behaviour very threatening though - especially in this case where I was basically targetted and followed by a stranger for the best part of an hour. It's sadly not the first time I've had something like this happen to me, and other times have been much worse than this, but it doesn't take away the fact that it was unexpected and unacceptable, and I share the information only because if it were the other way round, I would want to know about any incidents like this so that I could choose where I spend my time in the park with that in mind.
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Permalink Reply by Muriel Zaccuri on
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Sharon
He has been around for a while. He has been spotted around Finsbury and Parkland Walk. Last time I heard about this was 25th April and then the police did not have a description of the man and said they would be very grateful if anybody could provide them with any information.
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Permalink Reply by John D on
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I suppose if he invites you to take a photo, you should do so and then pass it to the police.
Easy to say, I know.
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For a second I thought about it, then was worried about what he would do if I did. I have mobility issues and am unable to run well, so if he went after me I wouldn't be able to escape. Horrible feeling :-/
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I wanted to learn more and found this article very interesting:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/why-flashers-are-no-laughin...
And this from the Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/apr/19/gender.uk
Both say flashing is a serious matter although disagree on whether it will escalate into other sexual offences. I had no idea it was such a difficult matter for the police to enforce, even when women report it. Maybe this guy was caught on camera though (CCTV I mean, I wouldn't have had the presence of mind or the nerve to take a photo either)?
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