Police are appealing for information after a woman was approached by an unknown man in the Newcastle area.

About 7.40am on Tuesday the 30 August 2016, a 25-year-old woman was running east along Wharf Road, Newcastle East, when she was approached by a male who tried to start a conversation with her.

The woman ignored the man however when the unknown man tried to grab hold of her arm, she ran from the area and sought assistance from a group of people nearby.

The unknown man fled.

Officers from Newcastle City Local Area Command are investigating the matter and would like to speak to a man who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 30’s or 40’s, about 180cm tall with short brown hair and unshaven. He is further described as being of a medium build. He was wearing blue baggy jeans, a hooded jumper and he was carrying a blue ‘Coles’ shopping bag or similar.

A computerised image of a man police wish to speak to has also been released.

Police would like to speak to anyone with information, particularly a male and female who assisted the woman immediately after the incident.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man missing from his Belmont home since Tuesday.

Carl DeJager, 35, was last seen leaving his home on Redrose Avenue about 10am on Tuesday 30 August 2016.

Mr DeJager was driving a silver 2004 Ford Territory station wagon when he left his home. When he failed to return, officers from Lake Macquarie were notified and commenced searching for him.

Concerns are held for Mr DeJager’s welfare, as his disappearance is out of character.

Mr DeJager is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, of slim build and with brown eyes and brown short hair.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black tracksuit pants with a rhino motif and white and red writing on the right leg, and a pair of black and white skate shoes.

Anyone who has knowledge of Mr DeJager’s whereabouts is urged to come forward and contact local police via Crime Stoppers.