A MAN approached and swung a baseball bat at three young children in a Kaleen park yesterday, say police.

At around 5pm the three children, all aged under 10, were playing unsupervised in the reserve area at the end of Tyrell Circuit, Kaleen when they reportedly saw a man with a black dog get out of a car and approach them. He swung a baseball bat at the children, who ran from the area.

Police said the children returned to the area a short time later with a 13-year-old and it was reported the same man chased the children but stopped after seeing the older child nearby. The man then left the area.

Police said the man was described as being about 183cm (6ft) tall, with a medium build and short dark-coloured hair. He was wearing a black business suit and carrying a black backpack.

People who saw the incident or a man of that description in the Kaleen area are to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit, www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.