The threat, received as a letter and bearing the signature of Al-Qaeda, the international terrorist network, warned that the High Commission in Malta would be "attacked from the sea".

The police are known to have monitored the marina, which is run by the Malta Maritime Authority, and even contacted yacht owners asking to inspect the boats on the pontoons closer to the British High Commission, The Sunday Times added.

The letter's origin is still unclear and it is not being excluded that it may be a hoax. However, sources said the authorities were not taking any risks.

Standing in an area known for its foreign embassies and ambassadors' residences, Whitehall Mansions, across the road from the Msida yacht marina, also house the embassies of The Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Portugal and Ireland.

Source: The Sunday Times