A Floriana gay bar became the target of anti-social youths whose idea of entertainment was to throw missiles at the establishment, before police intervened to put a stop to several weeks of disturbances.
Customers at Tom Bar, on Crucifix Hill, became the targets of a group of youths who pelted patrons with stones and other objects from above the establishment from King George V gardens.
The youths were known to the local council, which had received other reports from Floriana residents complaining of similar attacks. Their ages ranged from as young as 12 to 15 years old.
In another incident, a wooden missile thrown in the direction of Tom Bar hit an eight-month-old baby while out in its pram with its mother.
Other reports concerned neighbours whose doors were pelted with flour.
Floriana councillor Edward Torpiano said the council informed the Valletta police and the Police Depot, resulting in immediate action taking place on Tuesday, 14 August with the apprehending of several youths suspected of anti-social behaviour.
The Tom Bar management reported the incidents to the police and the Floriana local council, saying action was taken with immediate effect.
“We know these are not ‘homophobic’ attacks, but the work of a group of youngsters who were known for their behaviour. The police instantly took action, apprehending the youths and taking them home to their parents,” the establishment’s manager said. “We were also told the police would be conducting regular beats in the area.”