A 17-year-old Egyptian was remanded in custody after he allegedly threatened two prostitutes with a knife in Marsa on Monday evening.

The minor allegedly ap-proached one of the prostitutes at about 8pm to seek her services but became aggressive and produced a flick knife when she rejected him.

He allegedly approached one woman to seek her services but she rejected him

The police say he escaped when the woman called them but was caught some time later, though the knife was not found. Sources said another prostitute who was also on the street at the time told the police the same had happened to her.

He ran away when she indicated that she would call the police. The Egyptian, who ap-peared before Magistrate Ian Farrugia, pleaded not guilty and legal aid lawyer Abigail Bugeja did not ask for bail.

Police Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted.

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