In a statement, the section’s vice-president Luciano Busuttil, who is also the Hamrun mayor, expressed his solidarity with Mr Valvo and his wife, adding that this was the second attack on a mayor in a week after Marsa mayor Frans Debono was attacked last week.

Dr Busuttil said mayors and councillors are occupying their post voluntarily in the best interest of the locality’s residents and should therefore be respected. He urged Mr Valvo to continue working for the locality and its residents.