Investigators believe the bomb that exploded in front of a police inspector’s home in Żurrieq on Tuesday was detonated using a mobile phone.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the device, which went off at about 4.45pm, was home-built and included a circuit for detonation.
The blast caused extensive damage to the house of Police Inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi, 38, in Vjal Blue Grotto.
Security camera footage shows a person getting out of a car and placing an object in front of the house’s door
No members of his family, including his wife and three children, were hurt.
Sources said initial tests that were conducted showed the explosive elements were very similar to material used in fireworks.
Described as “highly explosive,” the device is not thought to have been powerful enough to destroy the building or cause it to collapse, according to sources.
However, it had a powerful blast effect, blowing back the front door and causing some internal partition walls to collapse. A number of stone slabs were dislodged, as was the garage door.
Though investigations continue, it appears the bomb did not contain any sharp or rugged materials, such as nails or rubble, that would have maximised damage and caused serious injury.
Footage taken from security cameras in the area, including one at Mr Azzopardi’s residence, show a car stopping next to the front door. A person can be seen alighting and walking to Mr Azzopardi’s house. He climbs up the steps to the front door and carefully places an object – the bomb – in front of it before leaving.
Investigators are still trying to establish the motive for the attack and are keeping all options open. They are also going over cases Mr Azzopardi previously handled in an attempt to understand whether it was personal or related to his police work.
Mr Azzopardi served at the criminal investigation department before he was transferred to the immigration office. Earlier this year, he started working at the police EU fund office.
When the bomb exploded, Mr Azzopardi rushed to his children’s bedroom right over the front door. Joined by his wife, they left the house from a secondary door and raised the alarm.
Żurrieq local council said it was shocked and strongly condemned the violent crime.
It expressed solidarity with the Azzopardi family and neighbours who also suffered damage to their property. Luckily, no one had been injured in the cowardly act, it said.
The council urged residents to pass on any information they had to the police – even confidentially – on 2122 4001.
Acting Police Commissioner Ray Zammit appealed for information that could help in “this shocking case” and said “intensive investigations” were under way.