A 43-year-old man was arrested early this morning following a police search that saw officers fire a shot towards two suspected car thieves. 

Police received a report that shots had been fired in Birkirkara's Infetti area at around 1am, they said in a statement. 

Two men in the area immediately hid behind a Ford car the moment officers arrived on the scene. As police approached the vehicle, one of the men reportedly stuck their arm out and pointed something in the officers' direction, prompting an officer to fire off a shot.

The two men fled the scene, with one of the suspects being apprehended at around 3am. 

Police said the Ford showed signs of an attempted break-in, with a smashed quarter window and damage by the steering wheel.  

Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo has ordered an inquiry into the event. Police say their investigations are ongoing.  

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