A young man is expected to be arraigned shortly over last Thursday's hold-up at Jos Debono Jewellers Ltd, in Triq Santa Lucija, Valletta.

The robber, who had brandished a pistol, escaped on foot with a tray of diamonds after holding up the owner and a shop assistant at about 6.30 p.m.

The same get-away method was used yesterday in another hold-up, this time on a shop selling detergents in Triq il-Flotta, Gzira.

Two hooded robbers, armed with what the police said were "pistols or sawn off shotguns", went into the shop at about 8.45 a.m. and asked for money. One of the thieves went behind the counter to get the money from the till and, before leaving, frisked the owner and took the money he had in his pockets.

The thieves stole just under Lm3,000 from the shop.

It is understood the man had a considerable amount of cash in hand as he was about to pay his suppliers.

Police Inspectors Daniel Zammit and Joe Mercieca are investigating.

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