A businessman has been found dead in a pool of blood in Triq il-Gizi in Swieqi at 5pm this evening. 

The man is David Abela, 51, who is the owner of 21st Century Travel and 21st Century Limousines, which hires out luxurious cars. The father of four is also a director in Aviaserve, an airport ground handling company.

The police are treating the case as a murder, they said in a statement. Sources said the man was stabbed to death.

His body was found by his Russian partner. According to some reports the man was bound to a bed by his hands and feet.

It is understood that his partner flew in from abroad just this afternoon. The woman, who was visibly shocked, was escorted away by the police. 

Duty magistrate Dr Gabriella Vella has appointed a number of experts on the case.

A number of distraught employees and friends showed up on site, with one person remarking that Mr Abela was not seen at work today. 

An autopsy is being held on Tuesday morning.