Police are investigating a mugging that took place around 9:30pm on Monday outside a bank branch in Nicosia.

According to police statement, the 48-year-old woman who reported the crime said she was preparing to leave an automatic teller machine where she had made a deposit, when an unknown woman approached her brandishing a knife and snatched the 48-year-old’s wallet containing her bank cards and ID.

The unidentified woman, who is described as having a thin build, blonde hair, black clothing and a mask over her face, fled the scene.

She was chased down by the complainant and a 31-year-old male bystander. The man immobilised the assailant and snatched the wallet back but she managed to escape. He was able to return the wallet to the 48-year-old victim.

Nicosia CID are continuing their search for the suspect.