The owner of a bazaar in Pietà was lucky to escape with mere injuries after he resisted an armed and hooded robber at his shop yesterday at about 7.15 a.m.

Michael Debattista, 38, who resides in Birkirkara, was alone at the General Bazaar in Our Lady of Sorrows Street when a lone man entered the shop and immediately pointed a firearm at him, demanding cash. The intruder hit Mr Debattista on the head with the weapon when the latter refused to hand over money.

The shop owner suffered a wound that required several stitches.

After the attack the would-be thief ran away empty handed.

Mr Debattista, who also suffered a broken finger, was taken to Mater Dei Hospital in an ambulance. He was released from hospital later in the day after treatment.

Magistrate Anthony J. Vella appointed a team of court experts to help in an inquiry. The police are investigating.

Residents in the Pietà/ Guardamangia area pointed out that petty crime was occurring frequently in their locality. In recent weeks thefts were reported from houses and from cars and a woman was recently mugged as she was walking near the playing fields.