Two BirdlifeMalta members claimed to have been assaulted today as they approached an illegal bird trap after hearing calls from an artificial bird caller in Delimara.

Three BLM members were near the Delimara lighthouse when they heard an illegal bird caller putting out a call simulating an Oyster Catcher, which is in season. The trapping season is currently closed.

The three decided to investigate and found a trapping site that was ready for use. At this point the BLM members were approached by four men, one of whom hit conservation manager Nicholas Barbara and conservation officer Nick Peludu in the face. The third member of the team, a woman, was not harmed.

The BLM members called the police and handed over audio recordings of the incident to the police. The case is being investigated.