Around Lm70,000 were reportedly stolen and two security officers were slightly injured yesterday morning when two armed and hooded robbers held up an armoured vehicle in Qormi.

The incident took place around 9.15am when the armoured van was being driven through Triq is-Sebh in Qormi.

Police said the armed robbers stopped the van underneath the Qormi fly-over and demanded cash. The robbers managed to grab bags containing cash and fled the scene using a white Peugeot Partner.

Although under shock, the security van personnel courageously followed the runaway vehicle but the chase was cut short when one of the armed robbers fired shots in their direction.

Thanks to the bullet-proof glass, the security officers were only slightly injured when small pieces of shattered glass hit them in the face.

The security van gave up the chase and turned up to Psaila Street in Birkirkara where police assistance was requested.

It is understood that the robbers had already prepared another getaway car for their escape, apart from the Peugeot Partner that was used in the robbery.

The Peugeot Partner, which was reported stolen from Tal-Handaq last Thursday, was found abandoned in Triq Xemxija in Marsa around two hours after the robbery.

The amount of money stolen is still being calculated but police sources said the estimate is around Lm70,000.

The police sources said a man has been arrested and has been interrogated by the police.

Duty magistrate Anthony Vella was informed about the case. He appointed several court experts to assist him with the magisterial inquiry.

The police, led by Superintendent Pierre Calleja and Assistant Commissioner Manwel Cassar are investigating.