Two Albanian men were arrested by the police last night in what is believed to be a breakthrough in investigations on the robbery that took place in a Sliema jewellery shop last week.

The police said that officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit followed two suspicious persons in Bay Street (Triq il-Bajja), St Julian’s at 11.30pm.

The two Albanians, suspected to have been involved in the Sliema robbery, were approached by the police. When they were informed that they were being arrested, one of them drew a firearm, pointed it at the officers and pulled the trigger. No shots were however fired as the weapon malfunctioned, the police said.

The two, aged 25 and 26, were arrested and taken to the police headquarters for questioning.

The two police officers were treated for slight injuries at the Floriana health centre.