A warning has been issued after a man has been reportedly approaching women across the North-east asking to give him a “piggyback”.

Police are appealing for information following the incidents, which have happened in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire over the last month.

The man has claimed to be injured before asking the women for “piggybacks”.

Three incidents happened on the old Deeside railway line between Cults and Milltimber last Sunday and on Saturday.

One incident was reported in the Laurencekirk area on Sunday, August 7.

Sergeant Andy Peerless said: “While on the surface these incidents may appear fairly innocuous, they have made the women involved feel extremely uncomfortable and alarmed which obviously makes this a concern for us.

“Given the frequency of the incidents and the similarities between them, we are asking the public to be vigilant and report any concerns to police as soon as possible while our inquiries continue.

“In each case the women who have been approached say the male has been persistent in nature and behaving oddly.

“We are particularly keen to trace a man described as being around 40 to 60 years of age, between 5ft 5in and 5ft 8in, of a stocky build with grey receding hair.

“In each case the man has been wearing exercise clothes.

“Officers will be giving particular attention to the areas in question and are taking these reports extremely seriously.

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would like to remain anonymous.”