A Libyan national who was held under arrest at the Police Headquarters lock-up is at Mater Dei Hospital after he tried to hurt himself, according to a police statement.

The incident occurred at 6.30 pm. The man, who was arrested in connection with an incident in Paceville, began arguing with officers keeping watch, and he banged his head against the cell gate, police said.

The police statement read that when assistance as called, the man tried to hurt himself further by turning tracksuit trousers around his neck. Police intervened to stop him, the statement continued.

He was taken to hospital for care.