A 76-year-old man was arrested by the police after he tried to rob a bank in Żejtun in broad daylight on Wednesday morning.

The attempted hold-up of an HSBC branch was reported at around 11.15am, the police said. 

The man, who was hooded and who had a firearm, fled the scene empty-handed and was arrested a short while later.

The attempt failed after bank workers blocked the entrance.

He fled using a car but was caught by the police later.

Nobody was injured in the incident, the police said. No money was stolen.

In a statement, HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. said "an incident took place earlier this morning at the Żejtun branch. All employees and customers are safe and unharmed and no one was injured.

"A person of interest is currently in police custody as the police investigate this incident."

HSBC Malta thanked the police for a swift and effective response. As this incident is under investigation, HSBC Malta said it is unable to comment further.

The Żejtun branch will reopen tomorrow as per normal hours.