Injured officer leaves hospital

The policeman shot in the hand in Bugibba on Monday as he was trying to overpower a suspect was released from hospital yesterday, police sources said.

The suspect had fired pepper spray in the policeman's face and was trying to take his pistol in a tussle after the police went to investigate reports of a hold-up taking place at Grannies, a catering establishment.

The pistol went off, hitting the policeman in his left hand. The suspect was then shot in the leg by another officer.

The police sources said the owners of Grannies reported that Lm1,000 had been stolen and the police found that amount of money on the suspect and in his car.

Sources said the suspect would be questioned by the police when he leaves hospital.

The sources also said a person was helping the police with their inquiries into Monday's attempted hold-up on a Fgura man who was on his way to deposit money.

Several shots were fired at the 27-year-old man's pick-up truck after he evaded three hooded men who tried to block his way. One of the bullets grazed the side of the truck.