An Albanian man who was on the police wanted list over his alleged involvement in an armed hold up at a Tignè jewellery store last year, is behind bars after being accused on Monday of scaling a fence to enter Safi Barracks. The man was caught red-handed on Sunday morning, carrying a weapon.

He had earlier reportedly tried to enter the airport perimeter but was spotted by guards.

Begtash Muka, 27, was chased by soldiers and, when cornered, pulling out the handgun and pointed it at the officers before being wrestled to the ground.

He was arrested and transferred to hospital for treatment for injuries allegedly sustained while scaling the security barrier.

A vehicle with stolen number plates found abandoned close to the perimeter fence is thought to have been used by Mr Muka.

He was accused on Monday with having threatened a police officer with a firearm, gained unlawful access to the barracks, carried the weapon without a licence whilst committing a crime, unlawfully entered the Safi Barracks, drove a car without a licence and with allegedly stolen number plates.

He was further charged with having been found in possession of cocaine in circumstances indicating that the drug was not for his personal use.

Mr Muka pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody by Magistrate Joe Mifsud. No request for bail was made at this stage of the proceedings.

Lawyer Marita Pace Dimech was legal aid counsel.

Inspectors Omar Zammit and Melvyn Camilleri prosecuted.