Confusion reigned today as authorities were led to believe for some time during the day that 52 immigrants who landed in Malta this morning had actually been here and were trying to escape.

The migrants were intercepted in Manikata and near Qbajjar. Although sources said during the day they were trying to escape, the police confirmed in a statement in the evening that the two groups 29 in Manikata and 23 in Gozo, had arrived illegally.

The immigrants claimed they were from Palestine, Egypt and Libya.

The police, with the help of the Armed Forces of Malta rounded up the immigrants and gave them water as they waited for coaches to take them to the police headquarters for questioning.

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