Reference is made to the article entitled “Man subdued by police ends up with broken leg” (TMIS, 18 March). It was alleged in the article that the police had been heavy handed while effecting the arrest of a mentally unstable person, with the consequence that he ended up with a broken leg.

Please be informed that the police immediately investigated the allegations contained in the article. It transpired that the police were requested to intervene in Nadur as a man who needed psychiatric help was roaming around with a television hanging from his neck and a knife tucked into his trousers.

The Gozo Police immediately complied with the request and managed to disarm the man using minimal force. While trying to hit back, this individual lost his balance and fell to the ground. He was subsequently taken to Gozo General Hospital where he was certified to be suffering from a fractured femur, which injury was compatible with his fall. A police officer also suffered slight injuries.

The investigations revealed that there was no evidence of any wrongdoing by the police called on site, more so when it must be taken into account that they were dealing with an armed and mentally unstable man. As already stated, only minimal force was used till the individual was disarmed and handcuffed.

WPC255 Roberta Fenech

f/Commissioner of Police