The Greek secret service is investigating what reliable sources have termed 'a systematic, calculated intimidation' of Athenian shopkeepers by an unwieldy crowd, Lanzarote News can confirm tonight.

According to eye-witness reports, a group of around 100 individuals, brandishing a mysterious red-and-white flag mobbed a string of souvenir and kebab joints in downtown Athens demanding that stunned shopkeepers vote for a bloke called 'Fabrizju'.

Christos Tzakis, the 37-year old owner of the 'Kalimera Kebab' was still recovering from the ordeal when we caught up with him this morning. "This was incredible!" he exclaimed, a bead of sweat making its way down his rugged face, "This fat guy comes up to me and mentions 'Fanjellu' or something. When I asked him what he meant things turned nasty - he threatened to boycot my shop or, worse, simply burn it down."

Similar incidents were reported throughout the day, Greek shopowners claiming that they feared the worst for their business. "Bloody Maltese fanatics " said one angry salesgirl, visibly shaken by the events "How dare they, we'll get our own back by boycotting their shitty little island" she added, exaggerating somewhat.

It later emerged that 'Farbizju' is Malta's singer at this year's Euro Song Fest and a bit of a cult-figure in the small, predominantly cheesy country.

The organisers of the event declined to comment following the shocking incidents as police confirmed that they would be closely monitoring telephone lines in the Athens district on Saturday night, amid press reports that 'voting may be influenced'.

However, one official we contacted this morning, confirmed that the Maltese fans did have a tendency to 'make their presence felt' wherever they went, as The Times of Malta succinctly put it this morning. "They're a rowdy lot", he added with a meaningful smile.

Intrigued by this insane incident, Lanzarote News decided to see for itself what all the fuss was about and followed the good-natured Maltese singer as he navigated costume changes and sound checks and pouted his way through several photo-shoots. There appeared to be a slight hitch with a particular garment which, in the words of a certain Robbie Abela, "made his bum look totally flat for Christ's sake".

In the meantime, the Greek organisers have announced that journalists are, in fact, welcome to attend tomorrow's exclusive "Wild Sex" party which they promise "will be even better than the songs themselves". Judging by the sheer quality of bare mid-riffs and hot totty in these parts, it's hard not to believe them.

"It's gonna be a bit lonely for those wankers from Finland who came here to make a point," said one attractive Andorran backing vocalist as she gave us that unmistakeable 'come-hither' look.

Yippee!!!