Five armed and hooded thieves robbed the Balzan branch of HSBC bank in Bertu Fenech Street on Friday afternoon. No one was injured but the
thieves escaped with a large sum of euros which according to NET News amounts to approximately 1 million euros.
The police said in a press release that one of the thieves held the people present at the bank at gun point. Meanwhile, the other four robbers entered the bank's strong room.
The branch is situated in the centre of Balzan near the parish church and opposite a police station.
In a press release on Friday afternoon, HSBC said that it is offering a reward of Lm25,000 (Euro58,234.33) for information given to the Police leading to the arrest and arraignment of the robbers.
On its part, HSBC Bank Malta did not disclose the amount stolen.
The vehicle used during the hold-up was found abandoned later.
Meanwhile also on Friday, a pet shop in Fuxa Street, San Gwann was also robbed. A armed and hooded man entered the shop and demanded money. The owner refused to hand the money. The robber proceeded to fire a shot in the shop. The man then fled the scene using a vehicle which was also abandoned and found later.
No one was injured in this second incident.
Duty Magistrate Dr D.Clarke was informed od the robbery. She appointed various experts to help her int he inquiry.
Police investigations continue.
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