Arson suspected in two fires

The police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a van in Birkirkara and at a store in San Gwann on Thursday night.

At about 11.15 p.m. the police received a call that a Ford Transit was on fire in Hal Gharghur Street.

Members of the Civil Protection Department were called out to control the blaze but the vehicle was badly damaged.

Investigators believe the fire was started deliberately.

Just after midnight, the police were told of another fire inside a store situated adjacent to a shop in Gerolomo Gianni Street, in San Gwann.

In this case also the police are suspecting arson, but a spokesman said further investigations are in progress.

Fire-fighters were again on the scene while Enemalta personnel removed the danger posed by electrical wires.

People who live on the floor above the shop were evacuated as a precaution, the police said.

No one was injured in the fires.

Magistrate Joseph Cassar appointed a team of court experts to assist in the inquiries.