The Local Councils Association condemned the way Marsa mayor Frans Debono was allegedly treated when police “threatened to arrest him” during an activity held by the council.

In a statement, the association said Mr Debono’s complaint was a serious one and the executive appealed for all necessary steps to be taken for such an incident not to be repeated.

The event fell under the responsibility of the local council and the police should therefore not have intervened, the association said, stopping short of giving more details. The association said it is surprised that the activity was stopped when other events that cause more disruption to the public are allowed to continue.

The association said it expected an explanation from the Commissioner of Police and an assurance that no police officer will act in a similar way.