People questioned over Żebbuġ robbery

The police have questioned a number of people in connection with the violent robbery that took place at Labour MP Anthony Zammit's residence in Żebbuġ early on Tuesday, but no one is expected to be charged in court anytime soon, The Times has learnt.

Sources close to the investigation said the police spoke to a number of people over the case but the crime is still unsolved.

The police have scrutinised the closed circuit television footage of a nearby bank as well as CCTV footage of nearby establishments, private residences and band clubs.

Mr Zammit's house is in the main square of Żebbuġ. The incident took place at around 2 a.m. when Mr Zammit was surprised inside his home by three armed and hooded men, bound and beaten up.

Mr Zammit, a surgeon, suffered slight injuries to his face and his head when his assailants reportedly hit him on the head repeatedly with the weapons they were brandishing.

While beating him, they demanded that Mr Zammit hand over €10,000. Mr Zammit gave them the cash he had in his wallet and his mobile phone.

The robbers are believed to have stolen around €1,200 in cash as well as other items from the house.

Statements of solidarity with Mr Zammit have poured in since the incident took place. Political parties and staff at Mater Dei Hospital all expressed their solidarity with Mr Zammit and urged the police to apprehend the perpetrators.

Police Superintendent Pierre Calleja and inspectors Joseph Mercieca and Malcolm Bondin are investigating. Magistrate Silvio Meli is heading a magisterial inquiry.