Two people were caught red-handed trying to rob an establishment in Cospicua in the early hours of Sunday morning, police said.

In a statement, the police said that they were informed of suspicious movements close to an establishment in Triq San Frangisk in Cospicua at around 2am on Sunday.

Police arrived on site and found that the establishment’s padlock had been broken open.

After taking all the necessary precautions, the police entered the establishment and found themselves face-to-face with a man and a woman who had covered their faces and had tools in their hands.

They were arrested and a search on their persons found a penknife, a torch and some cash amongst other things.

The alleged thieves are a 31-year-old man who lives in Marsa and a 29-year-old woman who lives in Zabbar, police said.

The vehicle they were using was also found close by in Triq it-Tlett Ibliet, with police finding some levers within it as well.

The alleged thieves are being held under arrest at the police lock-up in Floriana.

Duty magistrate Joe Mifsud is leading an inquiry into the case, while police investigations are also ongoing.