There are no specific threats against Malta, a Ministry of Home Affairs Official told the Malta Independent in response to a number of questions following international media reports that ISIS was planning attacks on European beaches this Summer.

German media reported that ISIS is sending jihadists to pretend to sell refreshments before detonating suicide vests and bombs buried under sun loungers at Spanish, French and Italian resorts. 

The BND - Germany's equivalent of MI6 - learned from its Italian counterpart of the ISIS plots to bring bloodshed to holiday resorts, popular daily newspaper BILD said on Tuesday. According to the report the Italians were informed of the terror plans from a credible source in Africa. 

They say the would-be killers had formed 'concrete plans' to pose as refugees serving tourists with drinks and snacks or hawking beach accessories and T-shirts.

BILD said the plans involve the use of automatic weapons on crowded waterfronts, suicide bombings and explosive devices buried in sand beneath sun loungers.

According to BILD, the beaches which intelligence chiefs say are definitely targeted include resorts in southern France, the Costa del Sol in Spain and both coasts in Italy.

Following these reports, this newsroom asked the Home Affairs Ministry whether there has been any communication with foreign intelligence agencies on the matter, whether any threat against Malta has been made, whether any precautionary measures will be taken, if increased security measures will be introduced on local beaches this Summer and what kind of precautions Malta takes on the whole in order to ensure the security of the Maltese population.

The Ministry saw fit to send a very short response. “As always our Security Services are vigilant to monitor every piece of information that could be relevant to Malta. There is no specific threat against Malta and the Service works closely with foreign Services on similar related issues".