Police have apologised over an appeal that described an overweight naked man's penis in "too much detail".
North Yorkshire Police asked for the public's help on Monday to help catch a suspect who performed a sex act on himself in front of a young woman, 20, in York.
In a statement, which has since been taken down, the force described the suspect as having "a small penis with testicles that hang noticeably low".
Following a backlash, the force posted a revised version of the appeal on its website.
On Tuesday, the force said: "On the evening of November 19 2018, we posted an appeal on Facebook to help identify a suspect in the York area who performed a sexual act in public.
"The appeal included a description of the naked man, which we accept went into too much detail.
"This has caused upset to a number of people who read the appeal and we unreservedly apologise for any offence caused."
The apology continued: "The appeal was quickly removed and a more appropriately worded version posted on the force website."
The revised appeal removed a description of the man's sexual organs.
It said officers in York are investigating "a disturbing incident in which an overweight, naked man performed a sex act on himself in front of a woman student".
They said this happened at 1.15pm on Sunday as the 20-year-old woman was walking alone on Windmill Lane and on to a woodland cycle path in the direction of Hull Road.
A spokesman said patrols have been stepped up in the area to provide public reassurance.
The suspect is described as white, with a very pale complexion, aged between 35 and 45, around 5ft 10in tall with a fat build.
Most of the people commenting on the revised Facebook appeal said they preferred the original.
One man posted: "I don't see a problem with the original post. It certainly got the message out as everyone shared it. Once again the snowflakes get their way!"
Additional reporting by Press Association.
