Two 34-year-old Libyans involved in last Saturday's attack with Samurai swords in Paceville have been remanded in custody after denying all charges against them, including the attempted murder of three bouncers.

Ramzi Abdulhafid Ib Abukem who has no fixed address and Ibrahim Ben Jeddi of Swieqi, who until yesterday were on the run, were arraigned this afternoon before Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona. 

Sources said the two men were apprehended during a police search at two apartments in San Ġwann and Swieqi. A third man, also involved in the incident, is still at large. 

Mr Abukem, who has refugee status, had been on the Libyan authorities' wanted list but it is not clear on what grounds, the sources said.

The court heard that the two Libyans were at a Paceville club when they were expelled from the premises after damaging a glass pane. They re-appeared about half an hour later wielding Samurai swords, seeking revenge against the bouncers. 

Apart from the attempted murder charge, the Libyans were also accused of attempted grievous bodily harm, slightly injuring two bouncers, and conspiring to commit murder. The incident was captured on CCTV.

In submissions for bail, lawyer Kathleen Grima, who appeared for Mr Abukem, referred to the attempted murder charges and argued that the case had been blown out of proportion.

The court, however, denied bail, as soon as police inspector Matthew Spagnol pointed out that the men had been on the run.

Lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace appeared for Mr Jeddi.