A man has been forced to drive three people around the Lake Macquarie area for three hours after they got into his car.

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command have been told two men got into a Toyota Starlet while it was stopped at the intersection of Quigley Road and The Ridgeway at Bolton Point, about 5pm yesterday (Thursday 5 February 2015).

The driver, a 26-year-old man from Bolton Point, told police he was intimidated into driving the men around the area, picking up a third man in Toronto.

The men then forced the driver to take them to a number of other locations during the three-hour incident, before he was told to drive them to Medlow Street, Cardiff, where they assaulted him and stole his smartphone and cash.

The three men then left the area on foot and the driver reported the incident to police at Toronto.

Police are now looking for three men, who they believe can assist with their investigation.

The first man is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 30 years old, having a solid build, 175cm tall, and with a tattoo on his neck. At the time he was wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts and bright green joggers.

The second man is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance and about 30 years old; however, this man had a slim build and was about 182cm tall, with short shaved hair and facial stubble. At the time the man was wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt, shorts, a baseball cap and bright, multi-coloured joggers.

The third man is described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance and aged about 40 to 50. This man had a thin build, about 165cm tall, with short brown hair that was curly at the back. At the time he was wearing a black track suit with white strips down the sleeves, a black baseball cap and sunglasses. He was carrying a grey back pack.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident, or who may know the men involved, to contact Lake Macquarie Detective.