A British woman was robbed of a necklace when she was mugged in Nazzarene Street, Sliema, this afternoon.

The incident happened at about 2.30 p.m. as the woman and her husband, both retired, were enjoying a walk.

A man put his hand around her neck, pulled her necklace and ran off, an eyewitness said.

Another necklace worn by the woman was dropped by the mugger and was found in the street a few metres away.

A number of workers in a nearby building rushed out to help, some of them chasing the mugger in the direction of Balluta. He managed to get away.

The woman was not injured.

The police are investigating.