Child approached in Cessnock

Police are appealing for information after a teenager was approached at Aberdare, near Cessnock yesterday, NSW Police say.

About 8.45am yesterday, a 15-year-old boy was using the public toilet at Turner Park, Aberdare, when he was spoken to by a man in a cubicle.

The boy immediately left and attended school, notifying staff of the incident.

Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command were contacted and are investigating.

Following inquiries, officers would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 70-years-old, grey balding hair, and grey goatee.

He was last seen wearing a grey jumper with black and red stripes across the chest.

Meanwhile, the incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;

- Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.

- Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.

- Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.

- Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.

- Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.

- If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.

- If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stopers.

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