A 49-year-old man was seriously injured in a shooting at a farmhouse in Wied Ħażrum, limits of Rabat.

The incident happened at around 12.15pm on Friday, when the victim was shot at with a firearm.

Police Spokesperson Brandon Pisani, who was on site speaking to the press, said that the man from Rabat was shot in the back. The relationship between the aggressor and the victim has not been established. Reports read that the victim was Noel Ciantar, who has battled government entities as well as NGOs to protect his property rights. 

A medical team from Mater Dei hospital was called on site to assist the victim, who was taken to hospital. He was certified as suffering from serious injuries

The aggressor has fled from the scene. The aggressor is on the run and believed to be armed, the police said, adding that a search is ongoing.

Pisani said that the police will speak to the victim after he receives the medical treatment needed at Mater Dei Hospital.

Magistrate Nadine Lia was informed about the incident and an inquiry was launched. Police investigations are ongoing.