The incident took place at around 7.30pm in an apartment in Archidea Flats in Carmen Mallia Street, San Gwann. The 32-year-old woman is said to have had an argument with her 28-year-old partner.

The exact cause of death and what happened inside the house is not known. While some police sources said the neighbours reported sounds of a firearm being shot, an official police report said the woman had been stabbed with a pointed instrument.

The woman, who is said to have been in the company of a young child when she was assaulted, was rushed to hospital where she was found to be suffering from serious injuries and in a critical condition. In fact, after the doctors desperately tried to save her life, the woman succumbed to her injuries an hour after being admitted to hospital.

Police inspector Mario Tonna from the St Julian’s district immediately arrived on scene, where he started his investigations.

Duty magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera was informed about the incident and he appointed several court experts to assist him to draw up the inquiry.