A 69-year-old Ballina man has appeared in court charged over the alleged indecent assault of a 12-year-old boy on a popular walking path.

Police allege the incident occurred about 7pm on February 11 along the Ferngrove Public Reserve path near the North Creek canal in Ballina.

According to police, the boy was approached by an unknown man and indecently touched.

The child allegedly ran away and later reported the incident.

Following an investigation involving detectives and the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad, police arrested a 69-year-old Ballina man on February 24.

ABC North Coast reports Madan Mohan Singh appeared before Magistrate Kathy Crittenden in Ballina Local Court on Thursday.

He is charged with intentionally sexually touching a child between the ages of 10 and 16.

No pleas have been entered.

Singh remains on conditional bail and is scheduled to return to Ballina Local Court on March 19.

Police have reminded the public the matter is now before the courts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.