A 17-year-old Egyptian was remanded in custody after the court heard how he threatened two prostitutes with a knife in Marsa yesterday evening.

The minor allegedly approached one of the prostitutes at around 8pm to seek her services but got aggressive and produced a flick knife when she refused his advances.

The Egyptian escaped when the woman called the police. He was caught some time later but the knife was not found.

Sources said another prostitute who was also on the street on that night told the police the man had done the same to her. He had also escaped after she bluffed about calling the police.

The Egyptian pleaded not guilty and legal aid lawyer Abigail Bugeja did not ask for bail.

Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted while Magistrate Ian Farrugia presided over the case.

The Egyptian had been granted bail in a separate case earlier this month when accused of stealing a bag from a bus driver.