About 6.40am (Thursday, May 27), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District responded to reports of an armed robbery at a service station on Newcastle Road, East Maitland.

Police have been told that about 5.20am, a man armed with a tomahawk entered the premises before jumping on the counter and demanding cash.

He then threatened the attendant, a 28-year-old man, before stealing the draw of the cash register and fleeing; last seen heading west on High Street.

The attendant was shaken but not injured.

As investigations continue police would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, with an average build and about 170-175cm tall. He was wearing a black hooded jumper with a green coloured jacket, black coloured baseball cap, pants and running shoes at the time.

Anyone with information about this incident - or who may have dashcam or CCTV of the area from around this time - is urged to call Maitland Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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