Police looking for armed robber

The police are looking for a person who they believe carried out three armed robberies yesterday afternoon.

The first hold-up took place at Amico Pastizzerija in Birkirkara. Police said the person, wearing a full-face crash helmet and armed with a sawn-off shot-gun, walked into the shop just before 4.30 p.m. and demanded money from the cashier, leaving with Lm30.

A little later, the police said they were informed of robberies at another two food outlets, carried out by a person of the same description.

About Lm100 were stolen from Hunter's Take Away in Zebbug, but the police did not give a figure for the other robbery, from Deliziosa Pastizzerija in Birkirkara.

Police patrols throughout the island were immediately instructed to try and find the culprit.

Investigations have revealed that the number plate of the motorcycle used in the hold-ups was stolen.

The police said another two attempted robberies on passers-by were reported to have taken place in Triq is-Sebh, Qormi and near the Fleur de Lys ATM. Nothing was reported stolen and no one was injured.

The police could not say whether these incidents were connected with the armed robberies.

A magisterial inquiry is underway, assisted by a team of experts.