Police from Wollongong Local Area Command are appealing for public assistance to identify two men who robbed three people at knifepoint in the city this morning.

Police have been told two women, aged 18 and 22, and a 21-year-old man, were walking along Hercules Street shortly after 1am, when they were approached by two men who threatened them.

The men, who were armed with knives, demanded the women give them their handbags. When their companion intervened he was punched in the face.

The men again threatened the women with knives until they gave them their handbags. The men were last seen running towards Dennison Street.

The victims alerted police and a search was conducted for the men without success. While no one was seriously injured, all three were shocked and distressed by the incident.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

The first man was described as being aged in his late teens or early 20s, of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 155cm tall with a thin build. He was also described as having short dark hair and was unshaven. At the time he was wearing a black hooded jumper bearing a white-coloured logo, and blue jeans. He spoke with an Australian accent.

The second man was described as being aged in his late teens or early 20s, of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall and with a medium build. At the time he was wearing a hooded jumper which was white with light pink and grey stripes.