Senior police officers said today that yesterday's murder in Fgura was a drive-by shooting in which shots were fired from an SUV.

Tyson Butcher owner Jonathan Pace was hit by five bullets and died a short time after.

Between 15 and 20 shots were fired, Inspector Chris Pullicino said.

Speaking at a press conference with Assistant Commissioner Pierre Calleja, he said that a rapid fire assault rifle appeared to have been used. It appeared to have been a military type that is prohibited in Malta.

The shooting, he said, was similar to that in the murder of Joseph Galea in Marsa on February 4.

"It was similar in method, the vehicle and the weapon," Mr Pullicino said.

Mr Pace  had been living in the apartment since he was released on bail on August 8 after being accused of the attempted murder of Vince Muscat who was shot and severely injured outside his house in Msida on April 8.

Bullets were sprayed all around the balcony where Jonathan Pace was killed yesterday. 11 can be seen in this picture.

Earlier today, neighbours said the rapid fire yesterday sounded like musketterija, referring to festa fireworks fired in quick succession.

It appears that Pace was on the balcony of the first floor apartment when the shots rang out at about 9.15pm. Bullet holes could be seen in the balcony door and all around it.  Pace's body was found on the balcony.

Neighbours said that as soon as they heard the shooting they ran for cover and did not see what happened later. One neighbour was hospitalised, suffering shock.

The police said investigators are interviewing a number of persons.

It is understood that those questioned overnight included Vince Muscat (Il-Kohhu), who was shot and severely injured outside his house in Msida on April 8.

Pace had been accused of that attempted murder and was let out on bail on August 8. The Attorney General had appealed the decision but a court on Wednesday last week upheld the decision but imposed stiffer bail conditions on Pace.

Pace and Muscat faced each other at a court sitting on July 30 when Muscat – himself one of the suspects in the failed HSBC heist – asked Pace “Why did you do this to me?”, as Pace looked at him in silence. Mr Pace had pleaded not guilty to the shooting.

Mr Muscat said he had recognised Pace as the person who shot him and he could not understand why he had done it, since they had tea together just a few days previously.