A 70-year-old shopkeeper was slightly injured in an attempted hold-up on Friday evening.

The case took place in Triq San Luqa in Marsascala at around 8:15pm, the police said.

The aggressor, a man who was armed with a knife, demanded that the cashier hand over money from the till, but the latter refused. A scuffle ensued, with the would-be robber fleeing the shop after a few minutes.

The 70-year-old was given first aid on site and was later taken to a health centre.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli is leading an inquiry. The police are also investigating.