1 January 2011 Last updated at 08:00

Man wearing niqab robs Otttawa bank

A veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear, the niqab is worn with a headscarf

A niqab-wearing robber suspected of a string of bank robberies carried out perhaps his fourth successful heist in Ottawa on Thursday.

Police in the Canadian capital say the man, wearing a robe and a dark blue niqab covering his mouth and nose, entered the bank around noon.

He handed the teller a note demanding money and spoke with a slight accent.

No weapon was seen or used in the theft, and the man left with an unknown amount of cash.

The religious head covering is traditionally worn by women.

Since the summer, there have been at least four similar robberies, although police are not certain the same man is responsible for all of them.

Police will meet next week to share information on the thefts.