Martin Galea, the kidnapping victim who was safely returned to Malta last night, has been released from hospital.

Sue Arnett, his partner, told this newspaper that the hospital staff have kept him for check-ups and observation.

However, his family has since had little time with him for once out of hospital he was taken straight to Police HQ for a debriefing.

Upon landing on Maltese soil, Martin Galea said that his safety depended on the work of others, thanking in particular Malta’s honorary consul to the Libyan capital Marisa Farrugia, who "literally saved my life".

Following his statement to the press, he was taken to meet his family and then to hospital, however looked in fine form considering his ordeal.