A gang of armed robbers made off with around Lm100,000 in diamonds and jewellery from Diamonds International in Luxe Pavilion, Hilton Portomaso on Thursday evening.

Police said that a white van stopped in front of the shop at around 8pm, and two men dressed up in uniforms similar to security personnel working at the Portomaso Hilton. They also disguised themselves by pulling stockings over their faces. The men knocked on the door and were let in by two salesgirls, a 57-year-old woman from Fgura and a 30-year-old from Marsa.

One man pulled out a gun and ordered the salesgirls to lie down on the floor while he guarded the entrance.

In the meantime, the other man stuffed various gold items, watches and diamond jewellery into a bag.

Various reports stated that the men drove off in the van and abandoned it in front of a squad car belonging to the St Julian’s police station.

When the police were informed that there was a robbery, they found the car was blocked by the van. Luckily the vehicle was not locked and the police pushed it aside.

However, it was only some time after that the police realised that the van was used during the hold-up.

Furthermore, it was said that the van, with the uniforms inside, was stolen from a security company in Hamrun last May.