Police are investigating after reports of a man committing an indecent act in the Southville area on Wednesday night.
A young woman - who wished to remain anonymous - said the incident happened at around 10.20pm on Wednesday after she got off the bus by the Aldi on North Street.
She said as she walked down Greenway Bush Lane, a man pulled over in his car to ask for directions to go to the city centre.
The 20-year-old said: "As I was giving him directions, I noticed he was pleasuring himself.
"When I saw what he was doing I just said 'Eww, what the f**k'.
"I crossed the road and walked away until I was out of view. It was horrible."
The woman said she found the incident really distressing and broke down in her hallway the moment she got home.
She said: "I felt extremely uncomfortable and it was really traumatic. I was really shaken up by it."
She said the incident has been reported to police and described the man as white, in his early 20s with mousy brown hair.
The woman said he was driving a dark coloured car.
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: “We received a call last night (Wednesday 30 September) concerning a man committing an indecent act in the Southville area of Bristol.
“We believe the incident happened between 10.15pm and 10.30pm.
“The man was described as white and wearing dark clothing.
“Our enquiries into the incident are continuing."
The statement said house-to-house and CCTV enquiries were being undertaken this afternoon (Thursday, October 1).
"Additional patrols will also be conducted," the statement continued. “Officers have spoken with the victim who witnessed the incident to provide advice around staying safe and any ongoing support that may be needed."
Anyone with information is asked to contact us, quoting reference number 5220222482.
