BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are investigating a hold up at a Valentine service station.

Police say three males wearing face coverings pulled up in the driveway of the BP outlet on Macquarie Drive just after 2am on Tuesday and forced entry to the front locked doors, threatening the male console operator with a knife.

One of the offenders was also armed with a metal bar

It’s understood they escaped with a small amount of cash and cigarettes.

The console operator wasn’t injured during the incident.

Police later recovered the getaway vehicle which was found dumped nearby.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage as investigations continue.

Anyone who can assist police with their inquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.