Updated 12.45pm

Four people were allegedly held against their will at knife point yesterday evening during a robbery attempt in Żejtun.

Wayne Caruana, 34, was charged today with stealing some €350 from Convenience Shop on Archbishop Emmanuel Galea Street and allegedly holding four women, who were in the shop at the time, against their will using a "sharp and pointed" implement. He then allegedly ordered a shop employee to hand him cash, before fleeing the scene.

He pled not guilty and was remanded in custody. The four women and other witnesses will testify in the next sitting.

In a statement, the police said that the Rapid Intervention Unit had been called to the scene moments after the incident and arrested Mr Caruana soon after following inquiries.

During this morning's sitting, Mr Caruana pleaded with the prosecution to "go easy" on him. He later also told presiding magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo that he promised to behave.