Two men were held yesterday in connection with reports that a boat was carrying out "illegal activities", the police said.

Asked what the "illegal activities" consisted of, a police spokesman said he was not in a position to elaborate.

The police would only say that on Monday they were informed of a boat leaving the island to carry out an "illegal activity". Patrols around Malta were deployed and the army was also informed.

In the evening - also on Monday - the Italian police advised Malta that a boat was on its way to the island and was entering Maltese territorial waters.

The Malta police received another report early yesterday morning informing them that a speedboat was in the vicinity of Cirkewwa. A search was conducted in the area and a person was arrested.

Another man was held later in the morning near Xemxija while trying to berth a boat.

The police confiscated the boat and the two men, both Maltese, are being questioned.

Duty Magistrate Anthony Vella has opened an inquiry.