From Construction Site Arson To Police Shootout: How The St Julian’s Incident Unfolded
Two police officers were shot during a dramatic hours-long operation in St Julian’s today after what began as an alleged arson attack at a nearby construction site. One officer sustained…
Two police officers were shot during a dramatic hours-long operation in St Julian’s today after what began as an alleged arson attack at a nearby construction site.
One officer sustained slight injuries, while the other remains in critical condition at Mater Dei Hospital after suffering gunshot wounds to the neck and face.
Here’s how the incident unfolded.
Construction Site Set Ablaze
The incident began earlier today when two Maltese men approached a construction site in St Julian’s.
According to preliminary information, the pair confronted the site over the ongoing works. One of the men then left the scene before returning carrying fuel.
After waiting for a crane carrying two construction workers to descend, he allegedly set fire to materials beneath where they had been working.
The workers, who had been operating high above the flames, filmed part of the terrifying incident as smoke quickly engulfed the site.
One of the suspects fled shortly afterwards and was later arrested. The second man remained at the scene.
Police Come Under Fire
Police officers responding to the arson were confronted by the armed suspect, who moved into another building as the situation rapidly escalated.
The daughter of the construction site owner alleged that the suspect pointed a firearm at the workers before opening fire on police.
During the exchange, two officers were struck by gunfire.
Constable Omar Sharif sustained slight injuries, while Sergeant Johann Vella suffered serious gunshot wounds to the neck and face. He remains in critical condition at Mater Dei Hospital.
The shooting triggered a major security operation, with members of the Special Intervention Unit, armed officers and police marksmen surrounding the area as nearby roads were closed and residents were urged to stay away.
Hours-Long Standoff Ends
Following several hours of negotiations, officers persuaded the suspect to surrender peacefully.
He was arrested, bringing the operation to an end.
Solidarity with the Officers
As the saga was unfolding, Maltese politicians shared messages of solidarity with the victimised officers and the emergency services seeking to tame the situation.
Police investigations into both the alleged arson attack and the shooting remain ongoing.
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