Updated | AFM retrieve alleged bomb for detonation

Police and members of the Armed Forces of Malta Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit are currently investigating a suspicious package, alleged to be a parcel bomb, placed beneath a van in 14 December Street, Fgura.

MaltaToday has been informed that the package, which contains around 1kg of explosives, was placed underneath a van.

The AFM's bomb disposal unit has now retrieved the package to take it to one of its army ranges.

The owner of the van in question was reported to have spotted two persons wearing balaclavas and on realising they had been spotted, the perpetrators ran off. One of the perpetrators dropped his balaclava.

The street's neighbourhood have been evacuated and the street cordoned off.

The street in question is two corners away from the Fgura Primary School, however the situation did not pose any danger to the school, according to Mario Schiavone, communications coordinator for the education ministry.

The police are also examining CCTV footage.