At about 8pm on Sunday, January 5, a 49-year-old woman was walking her dog along Hillgate Drive, Thornton, when an unknown man approached her.

He allegedly threatened the woman and demanded money before she handed over her mobile phone and ran away from the offender onto Lancaster Street.

The woman knocked on doors of nearby homes until a resident offered assistance and she contacted police.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and commenced an investigation.

The man is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 175cm tall, with a thin build, and less than 20-years of age.

Police are appealing for any who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area around that time to contact Maitland detectives on 4934 0200 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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