Thieves beat company employee in lunchtime robbery

Thieves beat an employee of Flamingo Ltd, a company selling white goods and home appliances in Qormi, as he made his way to the bank to deposit cash and cheques at about noon yesterday.

The police said the employee was getting into the company car in Cannon Street when he was stopped by two thieves in front of the shop.

Sources said that as the thieves tried to snatch the bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash and cheques, the employee offered resistance but was overpowered by the two men.

Other employees inside the establishment, who realised what had happened, ran out to give first aid to their colleague who was also suffering from shock.

"Everything happened in a flash and the thieves disappeared with their car in no time," an employee said.

The injured employee was taken to hospital where he was treated for slight injuries.

The police said the thieves were neither hooded nor armed. They were assisted by two accomplices who waited in a getaway vehicle.

The police community and media relations unit declined to give the name of the company, Flamingo Ltd, on "grounds of policy". The victim was not named either and the sum of money stolen was not divulged.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli appointed a team of court experts to assist with the inquiry as police investigations continue.