Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an aggravated break-in at a home at Cooks Hill earlier today.

About 3am (Thursday 6 August 2015), a 75-year-old man was at his Tooke Street home with his 68-year-old wife.

The man heard a noise at the rear glass sliding door and went to investigate.

He walked into the back room of the premises and saw a man attempting to force entry.

The offender was unsuccessful and was seen to walk around the front of the home and force entry through the front door.

He confronted the two occupants in the hallway of the home and demanded their wallets while threatening them with a screwdriver.

He walked into the couple’s bedroom and stole a mobile phone and a wallet before running from the premises.

A handbag belonging to the 68-year-old woman was located in the driveway.

Police from Newcastle Local Area Command attended the home and an investigation was commenced.

The man has been described as Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander in appearance, 20-30-years-old with a thin build and average height. At the time of the incident he was wearing a light grey coloured jacket with the hood over his head,

Neither occupant was injured during the break-in, and police are now appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Newcastle Police Station on (02)4929 0999, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.