THE perverted sexual antics of 'doggers' and 'cottagers' have reached "epidemic" levels in East Lancashire, a countryside policeman today revealed.

And PC Alan Hurst, who is based at Darwen police station, warned: "It is only a matter of time before someone is raped or seriously sexually assaulted at one of these sites."

While patrolling known sex-meeting spots, including the Entwistle Reservoir, near Darwen, the Egerton lay-by off the A666 and various sites in Tockholes, PC hurst has found used condoms, syringes, sex aids and homemade pornographic material.

He has also received complaints from people who have been followed in their cars and approached for sex.

He said: "People are feeling very intimidated as they are literally being followed and approached for sex -- sometimes people have even tried to get into their cars.

"I have been out to the Entwistle Reservoir car park, put my Land Rover spotlights on and seen things that have shocked me to the core -- and I have been a police officer for 20 years!

"Sometimes there can be 30 or 40 cars down there, with all the drivers taking part in dogging.

"They leave behind all sorts of paraphernalia and to be honest, the area around Stones Bank is disgusting.

"I have found all sorts of things, discarded sex toys, synthetic breasts that were wrapped up in stockings.

"There are also used condoms at the side of the road in full view of anyone who is passing.

"And the doggers leave homemade pornographic photos and videos under rocks and stones for other doggers or unsuspecting members of the public who may stumble across them.

"And now there are reports of male prostitutes going up to the A666 lay-by as the word has spread about what activities go on up there.

"We are losing our countryside to these people and I feel sorry for those people who have been out walking on their own only to be confronted by this.

"It is only a matter of time before someone is raped or seriously sexually assaulted at one of these sites.

"These people have no regard for members of the public -- in fact the fear that they may be seen or caught in the act is what turns them on."