Two people were injured, one of them seriously, during two separate incidents following the morning band march in Ħamrun yesterday.

Both incidents took place late in the afternoon in St Joseph High Road, the main road leading from Ħamrun to Santa Venera, a short distance from The Godfather snack bar.

Sources said incidents were not directly related to the village feast, known for the rivalry between the St Joseph and St Cajetan band clubs

Police sources said an argument broke out between two groups and a man was injured with a sharp and pointed instrument. His injuries were thought to be slight, although he sustained more than one wound. In another incident, a man suffered a fractured arm when he was hit by a black car, believed to be a Peugeot 407, during another argument that broke out.

It was unclear which incident took place first but the police were called to the scene to assist in both cases within minutes, the one involving the car being reported first.

Two ambulances took the injured persons to hospital where they received treatment for the injuries they suffered.

The incidents, which are being investigated by the police, happened after the Ħamrun band marches had finished and away from the centre where the celebrations were being held.

Nonetheless, they involved people, mostly inebriated, who had been celebrating the St Cajetan feast.

Sources said the incidents were not directly related to the Ħamrun feast, which is known for the rivalry between the St Joseph and St Cajetan band clubs, which, at times, involved violent incidents.

Police sources told Times of Malta yesterday the feast at Ħamrun was the smoothest they could remember and went ahead without any major hitches or problems.