By Rose Powell
A teenage girl has fought off a man who attacked her while she was on her way to school, police say
The 16-year-old was accosted by the man she described as chubby and in his mid-40s while she was walking to Whitebridge High School near Lake Macquarie just after 9am on Wednesday.
The girl had got off a bus to the town centre and made a purchase at a shop when she noticed the man trailing her.
The man followed the girl down two streets before closing in on her, putting his arm around her neck and indecently assaulted her, police said.
The girl screamed, hit out at the man's face and stomach with her elbow and fought her way free. She ran to school, where she reported the incident.
Police said the incident took place in a busy part of Whitebridge.
The man was wearing a plain black hooded jumper, dark blue jeans and black running shoes.
They are appealing for anyone who saw the incident or who has information that may help identify the man to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.