Police are to increase high visibility patrols along the canal path in Stroud following reports of suspicious men.

Stroud Neighbourhood Policing team have received several reports from women concerned about the behaviour of men in areas around the canal from mid-February onwards.

One man was reported to be hiding in bushes as well as paying particular attention towards women walking past.

Inspector Paul Cruise said: “We have received a number of reports regarding suspicious activity which range in location from Rodborough Common to the canal area.

"Two men have been described to us as acting suspiciously, particularly around women and families. To reassure the local community officers will be conducting additional high visibility patrols in these areas.”

Several incidents refer to a man aged between 25 and 35 with ginger or blonde hair wearing a kitted bobble or beanie hat, who was seen hiding in bushes in Rodborough and on the canal near Bath Road.

The most recent report on March 23 refers to a red-faced bald man in his 50s or 60s wearing dark clothing and acting suspiciously near Queen Elizabeth II field. When he noticed that he had been seen, he was said to have disappeared into the nature reserve.

The news comes after Rod Hansen, Chief Constable of the Gloucestershire Constabulary, joined police chiefs from across the country to discuss male violence against women earlier this month, in light of the murder of Sarah Everard.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Martin Hewitt said: “While being abducted from the street is incredibly rare, violence at the hands of men is not. We hear the anger about the pernicious harassment experienced by women that limits their freedoms.

“This is a moment for us to reflect as a society on what we can do to reduce male violence, abuse and harassment.”

In the year to March 2020, 207 women were killed in Great Britain, according the Office for National Statistics.

Between March 2018 and March 2020, 93 per cent of killers convicted of murder and manslaughter were men, 40 per cent of which were aged 16 – 24.

Mr Hewitt said too few victims see their cases go to court and for those that do, the experience is long and difficult.

“This has a serious impact on their confidence in the police and in the criminal justice system and means too many perpetrators get away with their crimes.”

The Chair said chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to improve support for victims of rape and domestic abuse and to help them get justice.

Gloucestershire Constabulary asks for anyone with information about incidents along the canal path to make contact and encourages anyone who becomes concerned over individuals displaying similar suspicious behaviour to contact police on 101 or 999 if they feel threatened in any way.