Rideshare driver stabbed, has car stolen by passengers in Newcastle

A rideshare driver has been stabbed and had his car stolen in an early-morning attack in Newcastle on the NSW mid-north coast.

The 22-year-old driver was giving a group of four people a lift from Windale about 2.35 this morning

When they arrived at William Street, Merewether, one of the passengers pulled a knife on him.

They demanded his car keys, wallet and phone, and stabbed him in the upper arm and leg when he refused.

The group took off in the man's car, a 2010 silver Ford Focus, with NSW registration plates BPX 15C.

The driver called emergency services and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to non-life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about the incident or about the whereabouts of the vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.