A man has been arrested and a gun seized during a dramatic raid in connection with a double murder in Sliema last week. 

The man, a 25-year-old Albanian national, was arrested in the operation in a property on Floriana on Tuesday afternoon. 

Police sources confirmed he is Daniel Muka, one of two brothers who is facing charges of attempted murder and the violent robbery of some €333,000 worth of jewellery, in an armed hold-up at Diamonds International in Tigne Point in 2017.

Officers escorted a handcuffed, barechested and heavily-tattooed Muka out of the property on Triq San Franġisk and then immediately drove him to the nearby polyclinic, where he spent 20 minutes. 

It is understood at least one other person - a Maltese national - is helping police with their inquiries. 

Eyewitnesses captured footage of the armed raid and sounds of gun shots.

A woman sitting in a nearby cafe, said she thought she had heard fireworks. She said: “We were eating and I told my friend 'is there a feast'? I heard some commotion.”

Police also seized a gun, that sources say matches the murder weapon, but it will have to undergo forensic testing before it is confirmed.

They also removed a cardboard box from the premises, which has a sign advertising the services of a private investigator. 

Police seized a gun from the property in Floriana. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

The major breakthrough comes a week after former investment banker Christian Pandolfino and his art collector partner Ivor Maciejowski were shot dead in their home in Sliema. 

They had a large art collection in their home and Maciejowski sometimes published photographs on his Instagram page. 

Evidence found in a stolen getaway car that was picked up last week, had led police to a suspected hideout.

Police had trawled through CCTV footage from the scene, which showed clear images of several suspects leaving the Locker Street house. 

It is understood officers began planning the raid on Monday and it was given the go-ahead on Tuesday morning.

Prime Minister Robert Abela praised the police for the operation. 

"This breakthrough proves that our police force is made up of hard-working officers who strive to serve and protect our people," he said.

"These members and their families deserve our utmost respect."