49-year-old woman robbed in the streets of Thornton.

A 49-year-old woman was out walking her dog along Hillgate Drive, Thornton, when she was approached by an unknown man.

The man than threatened the woman demanding cash, the woman did not have cash but handed over her mobile phone.

The man took the phone and ran off onto Lancaster Street.

The woman knocked on the door of a nearby house and called police.

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.