Police are monitoring a secluded corner of Osterley Park after reports from scared residents that people in full camouflage gear and ski masks have been seen lurking in the bushes.

They are thought to be doggers - people who watch couples having sex in their cars at isolated spots and are sometimes encouraged to join in.

Police Constable Chris Lavender from Osterley and Spring Grove Safer Neighbourhoods team, said: "Residents are now worried to use the lane that runs through the park because of the amount of doggers. It's not illegal, it's voyeurism. But if this encourages more serious indecent acts and makes the public feel unsafe, then it is a worry.

"We have a had a number of reports of people dressed all in black and in camouflage clothes loitering in the bushes on this lane. Some have been seen wearing ski masks covering everything but the eyes and mouth."

The lane has a series of lay-bys where people park after dark to engage in heavy petting, whilst watched by strangers.

PC Lavender added: "These people do what they do, but unfortunately the situation has got a bit more serious after a number of complaints.

"We think one individual comes on a regular basis, but there are often around half a dozen people there, and one warden even chased someone over the fields.

"We have also had a number of thefts in the area, so we will be doing late evening patrols.

"The stretch is pitch black and is a well known area for boyfriends and girlfriends to come and do what boyfriends and girlfriends do in dark lay bys on their own in cars.

"We don't want to discourage people from enjoying themselves, but a lot of people come here for innocent reasons so we want to make it safe for them."

Police will also be talking to some people in cars to warn them that their actions could be attracting some unsavoury characters.

Residents have been asked to get vehicle registration details in the event that something more serious occurs.