A 'considerable sum' of money was stolen in a hold-up at Chef XPress in Albert Town, Marsa, this evening, the police said.

The incident took place shortly after 8 p.m. when two men armed with a firearm entered the shop and demanded cash. A man who was in the shop was hit on the head, apparently with the butt of the pistol and suffered a slight injury. The assailants also used pepper spray. They are understood to have made off with thousands of euro.

The police were quickly on the scene and searched the area while the man was treated for his injury. He did not require hospital treatment.

No further details were immediately available.