The Police Officers Union said it "is saddened and disappointed" by the news that Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar has handed in his resignation earlier today.

Commissioner Cutajar has always shared and collaborated greatly with the union's objective to improve the working conditions of our officers, particularly those of the lower ranks, the union said in a statement.

There isn't a doubt that as a result of the important reforms carried out under his leadership, Commissioner Cutajar is leaving behind him an improved and modernized Police Force, it added.

"We would like to thank Commissioner Cutajar for his years of service to the Country and we wish him the best of luck for the future.

"We would also like to congratulate Acting Commissioner Carmelo Magri for his new role and we are fully committed to collaborate with him for the good of our members."