A veterinary clinic in Wied Il-Għajn Street, Żabbar was damaged in an arson attack in the early hours of Thursday.

Sources said a flammable liquid was probably poured over the wooden door before it was set alight. By the time neighbours realised it was on fire, the carpentry was extensively damaged and the flames had begun spreading to the hallway.

The police said they were investigating and Duty Magistrate Edwina Grima launched an inquiry.

The Veterinary Association condemned the attack and said it considered this to be a "cowardly act of intimidation aimed at hindering the work of veterinary surgeons from carrying out their duties in the interests of animal welfare".