Three daring hold-ups were reported to the police last night, two in Swieqi and another in St Paul's Bay.

The first was reported at 3 a.m. when three women, aged 16, 37 and 38 reported that a hooded person armed with a firearm had stolen a handbag after stopping them as they walked at Triq is-Swieqi, Swieqi.

The three women put up a struggle, despite the man being armed, but the thief managed to drive away with one of their handbags.

As policemen were taking down particulars of the case, a Briton aged 24 years reported that he had also been attacked by a hooded armed man in the same street.

The man said he heard a car brake. A man came out, pointed a pistol at him, stole his wallet and mobile phone and drove off.

The other incident was reported to have taken place at 3.15 a.m. at Triq il-Boxla, t Paul's Bay, where a 19-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man were attacked while they were in their own parked car.

The couple reported that a car with its lights off drove up behind them, an armed person emerged, came up to them and ordered them to get out of their car and hand over their money. The man then drove off in his car.

In all cases the victims suffered shock but were uninjured.

Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera is holding inquiries.

Police investigations are continuing.