A man who stalked a woman before committing a lewd act next to her in Altona North is on the loose, police say.
The man, described as fair-skinned, tall and overweight, was spotted by several people loitering outside the Altona North library in McArthurs Road on May 16, about 3pm.
About 45 minutes later, one of the women who initially saw the man outside the library, spotted him again outside a house on Fourth Avenue, Altona North.
As she crossed the road, the woman noticed the man following her. He soon caught up, put his hands down his pants and began masturbating next to her, a police spokesman said.
The victim ran away, and was able to hide in a nearby front yard until her husband picked her up and they notified the police.
The offender is described as being in his 40s, with light brown hair, a beard and blue eyes.
He was wearing white glasses, a green, hooded parachute jacket, light blue jeans and sandals with thick yellow socks.
Police have released an image of the man they wish to speak to.
Anyone with information is asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
