A Taiwanese man has been arrested after stabbing a nurse then returning to give her a love note.

During the mugging, the 22-year-old man stabbed his victim in the back and stole her wallet, which contained less than $2.

However, he immediately regretted his actions and took her to hospital.

While the woman was being treated for knife injuries, the love-struck criminal confessed his adoration for the victim in a note left on her on her scooter.

It read: "When I noticed how lovely you look, I changed my mind."

A police statement said: "The suspect was caught as he tried to express his love for the victim. It wasn't a routine case."