A foiled car theft led to three men ending up at Mater Dei Hospital in need of medical assistance.

The story broke out some time before four in the morning yesterday in Ubaldesca street, Paola after a man attempted to break into a car. He was given away by the car’s alarm, and accosted by the owner. Undaunted, the would-be thief turned on the owner, attacking him with a “sharp, pointed instrument”, and also attacking a man who showed up and tried to help.

One of the victims suffered serious injuries but is not in critical condition, police said. The other man and the thief were slightly injured. Two ambulances were called to the scene, with the three being taken to hospital for treatment.

Police investigations are under way.