The police are looking into several possibilities linked with the planting of a bomb at the residence of a police inspector this morning.

Inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi (picture, above) had investigated notorious criminals, one of whom is now dead, and the police are investigating any possible connection that there might be between his line of duty and today's incident.

Another theory, less likely, is that of a personal vendetta against the officer. The initial link by the police into its separate inquiry on Leisure Clothing - there is an ongoing inquiry into the company's work practices - is all but excluded. 

(Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi and Inspector Silvio Valletta outside the residence of Inspector Azzopardi)

It is suspected that an electric current using a remote switch or mobile phone to set off the bomb. No ball bearings were found inside the bomb, but the material used was pyrotechnical, which is used in the manufacturing of fireworks.

A blast this morning considerably damaged the residence of Inspector Azzopardi, a CID inspector who was formerly employed in the police immigration department.

Inspectors Chris Pullicino, Silvio Valletta and Keith Arnaud are still on site. Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi, who is a bomb expert, is also helping the police.

According to a news Media.Link Communications report, a pale blue Toyota Fun Cargo was seen on the scene shortly before the explosion. In comments with the media house shortly after the incident, Inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi said the family is still under shock. Neighbours said they were shocked at the sound of the explosion in the early hours of the morning.