HSBC shootout: Police edge closer. Four suspects in custody, two wounded

Police are reported to have edged closer to declaring the attempted HSBC headquarters heist as 'solved' as four suspects are in custody, one of whom has been hospitalised with bullet wounds to his jaw and knee.

2 July 2010, 12:00am
by Karl Stagno-Navarra

2 min read

Senior police sources have told MaltaToday that the injured man had a bullet jammed in his jaw and a right-through bullet wound to the knee. The suspect however, is denying involvement in the heist.

Another man, believed to have been hit with a bullet to his side is also reported to be in police custody.

MaltaToday is informed that the injured man, currently under intensive care at Mater Dei Hospital was admitted late on Wednesday night after being refused treatment at a private hospital.

The man - who is believed to be the brother of a police officer - has so far denied any involvement in the heist, while he refused to answer any other questions.

According to the sources, CCTV footage has revealed that the injuries sustained by the man currently recovering in hospital, are compatible with the reaction shown on film, as the man is apparently clearly visible holding his leg and mouth before being plucked to safety in a getaway car.

Other evidence allegedly emerges from glue particles that were still on the injured mans face, that is seemingly compatible to where the false moustache was fixed.

This suspect is believed to be the man who unloaded at least three whole magazines from his Magnum gun that was left on the crime scene.

The man has been described as an "incredible shooter" with ballistic experts reporting at least 67 bullets shot towards the police. But the CCTV footage also revealed a second would be robber apparently wounded and holding his side, as police officers bravely confronted the assailants as they tried to escape.

Two other suspects are also being investigated. One 25 year-old is thought to be part of the 'trio' that opened fire on the police, while the fourth, known only to be a 45 year old is said to have been repeatedly questioned.

All suspects are said to have a criminal record.

The police officer that responded to the barrage of heavy gunfire, has been hailed by his superiors and has already received a recommendation for decoration.

The attempted hold-up took place at 7.15pm of Wednesday when two cars, a white Peugeot and a Kia Sorrento parked outside the bank. Three suited thieves, wearing wigs, sunglasses and fake moustaches, entered the bank using the electronic card that is only issued to authorised bank employees.

MaltaToday has reported that the thieves are believed to be well trained in the use of hand weapons,

More from Karl Stagno-Navarra

Joanne sultana •

Michael001 As your own title states "Better not jump to conclusions" !

Raymond Zammit •

Isn't it strange that the control room at HSBC could be opened from the outside. Itn't it normal practice particularly in high security establishements to have control rooms only openable from the inside? How did the managers in charge of HSBC secuirty allow this including their security auditors?

Alfred Galea •

Mikey, you mean weapons right? With no arms how can you get things done?

Albert Zammit •

'Brother of a police officer! I continue maintaining that there are far too many arms around! Far too many! We don't need thse arms in the country!