Police are attempting to locate a man in Machynlleth who has been “behaving in a suspicious manner”.

Concerned parents have claimed that the man has been following children in public places in the town, leaving children upset and distressed, with police setting up patrols to actively find the man.

Hundreds of parents have joined a Facebook Messenger group to share stories and sightings of the man and to warn others.

Parents on the group have called the situation “worrying” and “scary”.

Several reports have been made to police over incidents in the past week.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed it “has received reports of a man behaving in a suspicious manner in the Machynlleth area” but the man is yet to be located.

“Officers have attended the scene of each report,” a police spokeswoman said, “but the man has not been present during their visit.”

“Patrols will be carried out in the area and officers are carrying out enquiries to identify and locate the man,” the spokesperson added.

Sergeant Huw Jones has called on residents to “not take matters into their own hands” while police act on reports.

“I’d like to assure members of the community in Machynlleth that we are acting on their reports and are taking appropriate action in terms of patrol plans and other lines of enquiry to keep the area safe,” Sgt Jones said.

“The reports received have confirmed the man has not approached anyone, nor tried to engage with anyone in the area where he has been seen.

“I must urge community members to not take matters into their own hands, instead please call police immediately on 101 and we will respond.”

Officers are currently in the town responding to the latest reports.