Two men were shot dead inside a residence in Triq Locker in Sliema on Tuesday night. 

The shooting took place at around 10.30pm. Residents called the police after they heard gunfire.

The men have been named as doctor and investment banker Chris Pandolfino and his British partner Ivor Maciejowski, an art dealer. Tributes have flooded in from Sliema residents, friends and the gay community.

According to reports, three persons were caught on CCTV leaving the building.

A police spokesperson (video below) said two men were found in the residence. One was found on the lower level while the other was found upstairs.

The police are not excluding anything at this stage. According to reports, this could have been an attempted hold-up.

A number of police cars and at least two ambulances were called to the scene. A forensic team is also conducting investigations inside the residence and a magisterial inquiry has been launched.

Asked whether there were signs of a struggle, the police spokesman said he could not comment at this stage since investigations were still in the initial stage. No one is being held in connection with the shooting so far.

The police will hold a press conference at 2.30pm.