‘Phone set off bomb at inspector’s home’

Investigators believe the bomb that exploded in front of a police inspector’s home in Żurrieq on Tuesday was detonated using a mobile phone. Preliminary investigations indicated that the device, which went off at about 4.45pm, was home-built and included a circuit for detonation. The blast caused extensive damage to the house of Police Inspector Geoffrey Azzopardi, 38, in Vjal Blue Grotto.  Initial tests showed the explosive elements were very similar to material used in fireworks.  Footage taken from security cameras in the area show a car stopping next to the front door. A person can be seen alighting and walking to Mr Azzopardi’s house. He climbs up the steps to the front door and carefully places an object – the bomb – in front of it before leaving. Investigators are still trying to establish the motive for the attack and are keeping all options open. They are also going over cases Mr Azzopardi previously handled in an attempt to understand whether it was personal or related to his police work.  More on Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.