About 1pm on Monday August 22 police attended George Booth Drive, Stockrington, following reports an 11-year-old girl had been indecently assaulted.

Police were told the girl, who was dressed in a yellow and blue fairytale costume, was walking along George Booth Drive near West Wallsend, about midday, when a man in a car stopped and spoke to her, offering her a lift.

She got in the car and when they were near Stockrington, the man stopped the car and allegedly indecently assaulted her before she got out of the car and ran away.

A short time later, a passing motorist stopped to render assistance, contacting police and emergency services.

Officers conducted an extensive search of the area for the man; however, he was not located.

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad Newcastle office commenced an investigation and appealed for public assistance to locate the vehicle and male driver.

Based on information provided by the community and after extensive investigations, a search warrant was executed at a home at Argenton about 11.20am on Thursday.

A 36-year-old man was arrested at and taken to Belmont Police Station, where he was charged with aggravated indecent assault.

He has been refused bail to appear at Belmont Local Court on Friday.

Police seized a motor vehicle at another location.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.