The police have continued to question eyewitnesses and others in connection with the attempted murder of a businessman on Tuesday, but it does not appear that any suspects are being held.

Joe Baldacchino, 51, was shot in the back by an unknown person riding a motorbike in a car park near the House of Four Winds in Valletta. The shooting took place at 8.45am and Mr Baldacchino was said to have been on his way to a court sitting.

Sources said the bullet was still in the victim’s back and, although he was responding well to treatment and blood transfusion, he remained in a critical condition after being urgently operated on. Reports said he was hit by a single shot fired from close range, causing haemorrhage. Consequently he lost a lot of blood.

The shooting is being considered the second attempt on Mr Baldacchino’s life – a bomb had exploded by his vehicle parked outside one of his outlets in Zurrieq some 15 months ago.

In a statement yesterday, the Blood Bank thanked all those who turned up at the Blood Donation Centre in Gwardamangia after its urgent call for donations issued soon after the shooting. Since several bags of blood had to be given to one person, donations were necessary to maintain an acceptable reserve.

In its statement, the centre once again urged people to donate blood for the unit to be prepared for every eventuality.

The centre was open between 8am and 6pm yesterday. One may call on 2206 6201 for further assistance on the Blood Donation Centre or visit its website: www.blood.gov.mt.