Thieves shoot at police

Police officers from the St Julian's district escaped injury when they were shot at by two thieves in a car chase early yesterday morning.

The two thieves broke into the Wellworth takeaway in St Andrews Road, Swieqi, at about 2.45 a.m.

The owner, who lives above the takeaway, was informed by someone that there was a car with its engine running parked in front of his outlet and when the man walked onto the balcony he saw two men leaving with some goods.

The owner called the police and started shouting. The thieves pointed a gun at him but the police arrived at that moment and the thieves sped away, with the officers in hot pursuit.

The thieves drove towards the coast road and fired at the police, who were unarmed. The officers subsequently lost sight of the thieves.

The police said cigarettes, a cash register and money from an amusement machine were stolen. Some furniture was damaged.

District Inspector Ray Vella Gregory and CID Inspector Charles Magri are heading investigations.