Police are appealing for public assistance after three children were reportedly approached in the Hunter Valley yesterday.

Just after midday, three children, aged 11, eight and four were playing at the northern end of a reserve near Hunt Place at Muswellbrook, when they saw a man walking towards them.

The three girls started walking back to their homes when the man called out to the children and pushed all three to the ground.

The male then attempted to touch the eight-year-old’s face but she pushed him away and the girls ran from the reserve.

The eldest child called police who attended a short time later and took the girls to their homes.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have commenced inquiries into the incident.

The man is described as being between 155cm to 165cm tall, in his early to mid-20s, with a dark complexion, medium build, black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who may have information which could assist investigators is urged to come forward.