A quick-thinking lotto receiver prevented a hold-up at his lotto booth in Mensija Road, San Gwann, this morning.

A police spokeswoman said a man pointed a firearm through the window and demanded cash.

The receiver said no and closed the window of his tiny, aluminium booth.

The man, accompanied by an accomplice, drove off.

The incident happened at about 12.30 p.m.

The police are investigating.