A young child was punched "several times" while riding his bike along Lambton Road at Waratah, police have been told.
At around 4pm on Sunday September 8, the 11-year-old boy was approached by a man he did not know, and allegedly assaulted before a member of the public intervened and the man left the scene.
The incident was shortly reported to Newcastle City Police District and inquires were ongoing, police said.
Police said they were looking to speak with a man seen in the area around the time of the alleged attack.
NSW police said the man was described as being of Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander appearance, wearing a white cap, and carrying a black Coles shopping bag.
NSW Police were urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact Newcastle City Polcie District or crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or on the Crimestoppers online reporting page at www.police.nsw.gov.au.
Investigations are ongoing.