The police began the manhunt after a 17-year-old youth was admitted to hospital with a deep cut to his neck having allegedly been stabbed in the neck by a Libyan man, who is said to be around 22 years old.

The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday morning in St George’s Road, St Julian’s.

Initial investigations showed that the Maltese youth and a group of his friends were involved in an argument with the Libyan man and his group of friends. According to the alleged victim’s report, the Libyan man tried to stab him in the neck but luckily, the blade did not perforate any of his main arteries. However, the 12-centimetre cut had to be closed with 38 stitches.

Investigations are being carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department and Inspector Mario Tonna and police sergeant Martin Agius at the St Julian’s Police Station.