Italian shot in Hamrun cafeteria

A police spokesman confirmed that two armed and hooded men, entered Papillon coffee shop in Hamrun’s main street, and shot at the Italian, who was in the company of another two Italians, and regular patrons at the coffee shop. They were standing by the bar.

The Italian is said to be a gold dealer and often travels to Malta. He was reported to be carrying a briefcase, which the hooded men asked for.

The shooting followed an altercation, when the assailants attempted to snatch the case. One of the Italians was injured in his legs.

The assailants reportedly left the coffee shop and escaped in a getaway car, where a third person was waiting.

Police have initiated investigations, while the injured man was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.

St Joseph High Road has been closed off, as a Magisterial inquiry is underway.