A police investigation into a Christmas Eve arson attack on a car in Marsa has led to the suspect being identified and charged. Mellieħa resident Isam Mohamed el Shahumi, 44 from Libya, appeared in the dock before Magistrate Ian Farrugia this morning, accused of having set fire to a Renault Megane on the night between Christmas Eve and Christmas day, last year. Inspector Mario Xiberras told the court that the targeted car had been parked in Triq il-Marsa, Marsa when it was set alight. A police patrol had spotted the burning car and had dismounted from their patrol car, putting out the fire with their fire extinguishers. El Shahumi, who told the court that he was employed by a friend, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
