Update 3: Shots fired in hold-up on security van

Seven shots were fired in a hold-up on a security van in Triq Hal Qormi, Sta Venera this morning. No one was injured.

The police said that the security van was blocked by another van which stopped in front of it and a truck at the back. Shots were then fired towards the left side window and the front of the security van.

When the thieves saw that they could not penetrate the van they escaped and unsuccessfully tried to set the van on fire. They escaped from the scene of the crime in another van.

This van was set alight at Mriehel and the fire put out by fire-fighters from the Civil Protection Department.

The hold-up is believed to have been planned well ahead since oil was spilled on the roads leading to the scene of the crime and a van blocked the Mriehel by-pass.

The police urged the public to use alternative roads until all dangers are removed.

The GWU in a statement condemned the attack.