A tourist was threatened with a knife during a bungled robbery attempt in Dockyard early yesterday morning.

Police described how the woman, a passenger on the Nordic Empress, was saved by her male companion, a crewman on the ship, after they were approached by two men on a motorcycle outside the Clock Tower at about 2.30 a.m.

Police Media Relations spokesman Dwayne Caines said the pillion passenger got off the bike and grabbed the woman from behind, holding a knife to her throat and demanding money.

The man only let go after the woman's friend grabbed his arm and punched him in the face, he said, and the two would-be robbers were able to escape.

It is understood that the crewman was treated at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital later yesterday morning, although the nature of his injuries is unknown.

Mr. Caines said Police are investigating the incident.