Police are appealing for public assistance after two men were robbed in separate incidents in Newcastle.

Just before 10pm on Friday (2 January 2015), a 21-year-old man was approached by three males while he was walking along Turton Road at Waratah.

The trio threatened the man and demanded money, before fleeing with cash.

In the second incident, about 7.45pm yesterday (Saturday 3 January 2015), a 35-year-old man was walking from Tuxford Park on King Street at Shortland, when a white hatchback stopped near him.

The four male occupants got out of the vehicle and approached the man, demanding his phone and wallet.

The group then assaulted the man before fleeing.

Police from Newcastle Local Area Command were alerted to both incidents and commenced inquiries.

The incidents may be linked and it’s believed the vehicle used in the second incident was a stolen 2013-model Toyota Corolla with NSW registration BX37GI.

Investigators are appealing for public assistance in an attempt to identify and locate those involved.

Three of the males are described as being of Caucasian appearance and aged in their mid to late teens.

The fourth is described as Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander appearance and aged in his early 20s.