Hong Kong police have commended two men who helped foil a thief’s attempt to rob the owner of a money changer of HK$1 million (US$129,000) at knifepoint.

The victim, 53, was approached by the robber from behind at the junction of Kweilin Street and Lai Chi Kok Road after she left her shop at around 9pm on Sunday, according to the force.

“The robber threatened her with a knife and tried to snatch her handbag that had HK$1 million,” police said on Thursday.

“Two helpful residents [both men] intervened and prevented the robber from taking the handbag.”

The thief then fled empty-handed and escaped by boarding a nearby getaway vehicle. Officers later found the abandoned vehicle in Tai Po.

An investigation revealed that a worker at a car repair shop was suspected of committing the crime using a vehicle left at the garage.

Within 24 hours, officers arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with the case. The man was later charged with attempted robbery.