“Family reasons” sparked speculation that police commissioner Peter Paul Zammit was likely to step down from the post and these were fuelled with his absence from certain key events involving the corps in the past weeks, The Malta Independent has learnt.

Following The Malta Independent’s report this morning, Mr Zammit told this media house that his absence from some police events did not mean that he will be stepping down from the post or been asked to do so.

Speculation that he will be replaced in the next few weeks was encouraged after Mr Zammit failed to attend the announcement of the setting up of a union for police officers earlier this week encouraged even stronger. Wednesday’s press conference was addressed by Home Minister Manuel Mallia and Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli.

But Mr Zammit played down his absence, saying as head of the police force his place at such an event was not obligatory, since it was not linked to the force’s operations.

Sources however have confirmed with The Malta Independent that Mr Zammit was considering stepping down for personal reasons not related to his duties.

If Mr Zammit will step down, his place will be taken up by either deputy commissioner Pierre Calleja or deputy commissioner Ray Zammit. The third deputy commissioner, Andrew Seychell, who was appointed to the rank with Mr Calleja and Mr Zammit earlier this year, is not being mentioned as a possible successor of Mr Zammit.