Police are appealing for public assistance after a teenage boy was approached in the Hunter earlier this week.
The 16-year-old boy went to a public restroom inside a shopping centre on Taylor Avenue, Thornton, about 10.40am on Wednesday when the incident occurred.
Police have been told an unknown man reached into the boy's toilet cubicle and touched his leg, before peering over the top of the partition.
The boy exited the cubicle and was confronted by the man who attempted to talk to him and grab his hand.
The teenager managed to release the man's grip and left the restroom.
The boy notified his family, who then contacted police.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have commenced an investigation into the incident.
The man is described as being of Caucasian in appearance, aged in his mid-60s, about 175cm tall, with a medium build, white wavy hair and white eyebrows.
He was last seen wearing a grey collared jumper, dark coloured pants, glasses and joggers.
It's understood the man left the shopping centre in a white 2012 Kia Sorento.
Anyone with information which may assist detectives is urged to contact Maitland Police Station on 4934 0200 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
