Minister praises police after HSBC arraignments

Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici this evening thanked and congratulated the police after the first two arraignments in connection with last week's attempted hold-up and shootout at the HSBC Centre in Qormi.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici in a statement said he wished to praise the various sections of the police force for their actions today week and in the investigations since.

He praised the police officers who had been engaged in the shootout, saying they had acted in an exemplary manner which ensured that no innocent people were hurt.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici said the preparation of policemen at the Police Academy, and the ongoing training of all policemen was paying dividends.

The security which the police force offered society was not something which could be taken lightly since the men in blue were sometimes asked to put their lives on the line.

He thanked all the officers and said there was also need for ongoing cooperation with the financial institutions , especially the banks, to maintain high levels of security in view of the risks to people's lives and property.