Police in Cross Keys, Manchester, are hunting for a panty thief who has been leaving love notes for his victims.

The notorious 'Panty Man', as he has become known, has been stealing female underwear from clothes lines for several months now.

Residents say the suspected man has a liking for older women. He is alleged to ejaculate on panties which he then leaves on the ground along with a note professing his love for the victims.

A note left for Lorna Williams, 38, is said to have read: "I'm sorry that I thief your panty but I cannot hold the feelings for you... ."

Rush out

Williams, who encountered the suspect about a month ago, surprised the pervert and chased him away. "... Mi hear footstep inna di yaad and when mi look a him mi see a tek off mi panty dem ... Mi grab mi cutlass and rush out but di man way too quick fi me so him get weh before anybody else coulda reach," Williams said.

At least two other women, have confirmed receiving notes from the thief.

The Area Three police have confirmed the residents' claims and say they have received several reports of the man's action.

"We have heard of the so-called Panty Man ...As a matter of fact we have received several reports and are investigating so we can capture him," Inspector Martin Hines of the Area Three police said.

Another victim, Maxine Blackwood, 42, encountered the man a little over a week ago. "Him jus nasty, Mi tired fi a complain bout him. As mi hang out mi panty dem and mi back turn him come tek dem offa di line inna broad daylight and all nasty dem up an lef it same place...Mi affi jus bun dem up when mi si dem," she said.

Both women are sure they can identify the man and they suspect that he is in his mid 20s.

Residents say they are trying to devise a plan to apprehend the suspect but declined to give details. "Wi ago ketch him man, wi a plan someting fi him, unnu jus keep in touch and unnu a go hear bout it," Fred26, promised.