An internal investigation has been launched after an elderly man went missing from St Vincent de Paul residence, the government said.

Earlier, the police said 83-year-old Karmenu Fino had gone missing. He was last seen in Luqa on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement, the minister for the elderly, Jo Etienne Abela said he had ordered an internal probe.

The ministry said the search for the missing man started as soon as the SVP administration reported him missing to the authorities. It said it ordered an investigation to establish the facts and, if need be, propose recommendations. The investigation will be led by retired judge Geoffrey Valenzia.

The police said that anyone with information about the person’s whereabouts can pass it on to the police, even anonymously, by calling 21224001 or 119, or by going to the nearest police station.