Businessman Hugo Chetcuti is in a critical condition in hospital after being stabbed in Paceville on Friday night.

The police on Saturday said there was a stabbing in an establishment in Triq Santa Rita corner with Triq San Ġorġ some time at around 10.30pm.

Chetcuti, 52, of St Julian's, was taken to Mater Dei Hospital and is in intensive care.

His brother Isaac wrote on Facebook on Saturday afternoon that the "worst is over" and that Hugo is recovering after surgery. "We would like to assure everyone that, after a successful operation, Hugo is over the worst and is slowly recovering, He is in excellent hands and is surrounded by his family and friends. We would like to thank all of you for your concern and well wishes. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers," he wrote.

An inquiry is being held by Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech.

A man has been arrested in connection with the incident, the police said. The man, a Serbian aged 35, ran away in the direction of Balluta and was caught later by police officers of the Rapid Intervention Unit in Sliema.

In a statement, the police said that the Serbian man did not want to obey police orders and attacked the officers, causing them slight injuries. A taser gun had to be used to bring him under control, the police said.

The man was found in possession of a knife. The police did not say whether it was the weapon that was used to stab Chetcuti.

The Serbian man was taken to hospital for treatment and, once released, was taken to police headquarters for questioning.

Chetcuti is the owner of a number of establishments in Paceville including entertainment venues and a hotel.