Police are investigating an armed robbery and car jacking in the Hunter Region last night.

About 9.40pm (Thursday 19 April), a man armed with a knife entered a service station on Les Darcey Drive, South Maitland.

The man allegedly threatened the console operator before stealing cash.

After fleeing the service station the man then approached a 20-year-old man who was parking his dark grey Nissan Navara at a car park on Cross Street.

The man allegedly demanded the victim drive him to Park Street where he then fled on foot through Maitland Park.

Police attended a short time later and a crime scene was established at the service station.

The Nissan Navara has been seized for forensic examination.

Detectives from the Central Hunter Local Area Command are investigating the robbery and want to speak with a man they believe can assist with their enquiries. He’s described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 25-years-old, 180cm tall, of medium athletic build and short brown hair.