Police are appealing for information after they received reports of a suspicious man travelling on a New Lambton bus yesterday morning.

About 8.30am (Tuesday 8 March 2016), a seven-year-old girl boarded a bus on Bridges Road, New Lambton, as she made her way to school.

The girl found a seat next to a man and he attempted to make conversation with her.

The girl became uncomfortable with a number of comments the man made and left the bus at Regent Street.

Her brother later attended the local police station with her, where she reported the matter.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command are continuing inquiries into the incident and would now like to speak to a man who may be able to assist in the investigation.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 50s, with a grey beard and of a slim build. He was last seen wearing an orange high-visibility vest and was carrying a black Woolworths environmental bag.

Anyone who knows the man’s identity, or has information that can assist police, is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/

Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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

* Avoid walking on your own and instead walk with other family members, friends or an adult they know when going to and from school;

* Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people;

* 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;

* 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; and

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