Free rape alarms are being offered to all residents in a village after multiple flashing incidents were reported.

One perpetrator is said to have exposed themselves to terrified women on several occasions in Chestfield, near Whitstable last year.

A second suspect in recent weeks has now sparked further concern for women’s safety in the area.

Such is the worry over the lurid acts and uncertainty over the number of potential offenders, Chestfield Parish Council is offering the safety devices to more than 3,000 residents.

In one reported incident on April 10, a teenager is said to have dropped his trousers and underwear in front of a shocked woman before saying: “Do you fancy a f***?”

Speaking on the authority’s strong response, parish council chairman Steve Bailey said: “The police have been very good, but it has caused concern and alarm among residents, so we thought it would be a good gesture to offer these alarms.

“We are in the process of going door-to-door and making people aware of the issue, covering the entire village.”

The parish council dramatically ordered an emergency meeting in a bid to take steps to help keep residents safe where it was agreed the alarms could be offered to all residents.

The devices emit a powerful siren to let other people in the surrounding area know a person is in potential danger.

Cllr Bailey says the first incident happened in March last year, during which a man exposed himself.

Parish council minutes for a meeting following that incident record the chairman advised residents to be vigilant after “several incidents of indecent exposure by a man” on the footpath near Sainsbury’s.

It also documents that Cllr Bailey had been working with a police detective and had reports from residents of the flashing events occurring.

A police spokesman said at the time a man had reportedly exposed himself to a walker in Primrose Way, Chestfield on March 2 last year and he was subsequently arrested.

But in an update this week, the force confirmed they were released without charge after consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service and pending any further information coming to light.

In the most recent incident on April 10 this year, a woman reported a pervert flashed her before making lewd comments.

Cllr Bailey said of the report: “He dropped his trousers and pants in front of a lady and said: ‘Do you fancy a f***?’

“Chestfield is a very small and close-knit community. People talk and they start getting alarmed.”

According to Cllr Bailey, all of the incidents took place along a footpath between Sainsbury’s and Whitstable Rugby Club, which leads to Primrose Way.

A letter being delivered by the parish council when people are not home to be offered the alarms has warned them of the recent incidents.

“We are extremely concerned to learn of a further incident of indecent exposure by a different male perpetrator on one of our public footpaths – the well-used path that runs alongside Sainsbury’s and the rugby club,” it states.

“However, we have met with the police investigating officers, who have assured us investigations continue.

“Officers have visited many houses in the area in their efforts, and have asked we inform all residents by way of increasing public awareness.

“In view of this, the parish council has decided to offer all households a free personal alarm to increase awareness and to reiterate our resolve to you all we stand together in our efforts to prevent similar incidents.”

A police spokesperson said: “Kent Police is currently investigating a report that a boy, thought to be aged between 16 and 18, exposed himself to a woman in Reeves Way, Chestfield on April 10.

“Officers are interested in hearing information about any other similar incidents in the area, and encourage any further victims to come forward.

“Anyone who has any information regarding the incident, or who has private CCTV or dashcam footage which might assist, should call 01843 222289, quoting 46/59835/25.”