Police are searching for a silver car in connection with an Italian woman’s claims that she was raped by three or four foreign men in Ħal Far on Sunday night, sources said.

The 21-year-old – whose story, sources said, raised questions due to ‘inconsistencies’ – told police she was forced into a car while in Valletta then taken to Ħal Far and sexually attacked.

She said she eventually sought help at a nearby factory.

The sources said police were looking for a silver Kia Mentor, registered to a Maltese man but used by two foreigners.

An initial physical exam indicated the girl’s injuries were not compatible with being attacked by several men. She suffered mainly scratches on various parts of her body, sources said.

Investigators are waiting for serology test results to determine whether there were traces of different men’s semen.

Magistrate Tonio Micallef Trigona is holding an inquiry.