Police are appealing for the public’s help after a girl was approached by a stranger near Newcastle this morning.

About 8am (Tuesday 24 February) the 12-year-old was walking to school along Tyrell Street in Wallsend when a black Toyota Prado began following her.

The girl walked into the front yard of a nearby home in a bid to evade the vehicle. The Toyota pulled into the driveway of the home before reversing and driving off.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command are investigating the incident.

The driver of the Toyota is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in 40s, short dark hair, a moustache and wearing reading-style glasses.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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.