Officers allege the man approached 19-year-old boy and his 12-year-old brother when walking on Mount View Rd, Cessnock about 8.20am.

The man was reportedly driving a silver or white four-wheel-drive and offered the pair a lift to school.

The boys declined the offer and continued the walk.

A 13-year-old girl was allegedly approached by the man again, while walking on Mount View Rd, near Scott St about ten minutes later but also declined the man's offer.

The three youths reported to incident to their high school principal who contact police.

Central Hunter Local Area Command police are now trying to track down the man, who is described as being of caucasian appearance, between 50 and 60 years old with balding brown/grey hair and of a medium build.

He was described as having scarring on his cheek and chin, wearing dark sunglasses and a blue, white and grey chequered flannelette shirt.

The four-wheel drive has been described as being a ‘newer style’ white or silver coloured vehicle with dark polka-dot patterned seat covers and a spare tyre on the back.

Regular patrols of the area are being conducted by police and anyone with information about the identity and whereabouts of the man is asked to contact Cessnock Police.

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 you 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; and

*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.