Marcus John Calleja, 46, of Balzan has been charged with carrying out a hold up in Zabbar, in which shots were fired.

The unsuccessful hold up of a bar in the main street of Zabbar took place on Tuesday evening at 8:10 pm, the police said.

An armed and hooded man entered the shop and demanded money from the owner, who resisted with the assistance of bystanders. It was at this point that shots were fired, but luckily no one was injured.

Members of the police rapid intervention unit were quickly on site and arrested Calleja.

Before magistrate Doreen Clarke, he was charged with attempted aggravated theft, holding persons against their will, possession of a firearm during the commission of the offence and discharging the firearm in an inhabited area.

He was also accused of being a recidivist.

Calleja, who told the court he worked as a welder, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bail was not requested.

The court was asked to order the man be treated for drug addiction. The request was upheld.

Inspectors Fabian Fleri, Lydon Zammit and Joanna Piscopo prosecuted.

Lawyer Raisa Colombo was legal aid to the accused.