Man to be charged with attempted murder

The police are expected to charge a man from Cospicua in connection with the violent hold-up at a shop in Birkirkara on Monday night.

Police sources said the man, who is under arrest, would be accused of attempted murder, theft and causing damage to the shop.

Investigators were collecting the last few pieces of evidence before arraigning the man and are close to identifying a second suspect, the sources said.

Businessman Charles Zammit, 27, sustained gunshot wounds when two men robbed his mobile phone and hi-fi shop, Seven, in Psaila Street at 6.30 p.m. on Monday.

The shop owner, from Birkirkara, had a bullet surgically removed from his left arm and was also treated for a shot wound in his torso. The sources said the man was recovering well at Mater Dei Hospital.

The sources said the green Hyundai used during the robbery was instrumental in the investigations. Although the car, driven by an accomplice, was parked in Wignacourt Street, corner with Psaila Street, the gunshots attracted considerable attention from passers-by who even took note of the vehicle's number plate.

CCTV footage from nearby shops also had a pivotal role in identifying the thief who fired shots in the direction of the shop owner. He only fled with a laptop and a small number of mobile phones.

Police Inspectors Keith Arnaud, Kevin Farrugia and Joseph Mercieca are investigating.