Car thief runs amok

The police have mounted a search for a driver who stole a car and caused havoc in a Hamrun street by crashing into other vehicles and abandoning the car overturned in the middle of the road.

The police had to close Qormi Street, one of the busiest in Hamrun, for most of the day yesterday as they investigated the incident.

Residents in the street were rudely awakened just after 2 a.m. yesterday when a speeding Morris Marina, crashed into two other vehicles, a Tata pick-up and an Escort van parked next to the pavement.

It is believed the Marina swerved out of control and overturned. Its driver got out of the car and dashed off, residents said.

The police said the Marina was reported stolen from Mellieha by its owner early on Sunday morning.

The police spread sand on the street to soak up the diesel that spilled out of the car.

A magisterial inquiry is underway.