A prominent businessman and chef woke up in the early hours of yesterday morning to find his front door ablaze and two dead rabbits on his doorstep in what he has described as a “mafia” attack.

Hotelier and caterer Anton Dougall heard the sound of shattering glass at 3 a.m. and raced downstairs to douse the flames with help from his family. He was later assisted by policemen and the fire brigade.

A burning tyre had been placed against the door and the rabbits were sprayed with threatening messages. Mr Dougall said he did not know for sure who was behind the attack but has provided the police with information. He said he did not wish to hamper the investigation by making his suspicions or the nature of the threats public.

The businessman, who owns a St Julian’s hotel and appears on local television as a chef, vowed not to be intimidated by the attack.

“This is a mafia case; someone is trying to send a message. But I want the Maltese people to bear witness that I am not afraid and I will not be intimidated,” he said.

Mr Dougall said he was unsure how far those responsible for the attack were prepared to go, but no matter what happened to him insisted his business interests would be continued by his heirs.