The police said today that three constables have been suspended as they are being investigated for allegedly not carrying out their duties.

In a statement, the police said that the constables are alleged to have used excessive force against some persons.

An investigation was immediately started and the matter was also passed on to the duty magistrate, Elaine Mercieca, for a magisterial inquiry to be held.

The police corps said it will not tolerate any such episodes from its members, most of whom carry out their duties with loyalty to the society they are bound to defend.

The police did not give further details.

Malta Refugee Council statement

The Malta Refugee Council welcomed news that the Malta Police Force has suspended three constables reported to have assaulted black people.

In a statement, the council said that it is also encouraged by the decision to launch an investigation into the allegations, hoping it will be conducted swiftly and its conclusions published.

"We believe these decisions confirm a zero tolerance approach to racism and violence within the Force. They also stress the positive message that Malta’s Police Force is mandated to protect all persons and communities in Malta, without discrimination of any kind."

News of police officers violentely assulting black persons is extremely worrying, the statement said.

These are officials with a legal and moral duty to prevent violence, protect targets of violent attacks and take action against perpetrators. We therefore strongly condemn the abonimable actions of these three officers, committed in a town that is rich in ethic diversity.

"We hope concrete action will be taken to restore the communities’ faith in Police Force. Strong and healthy communities are built on trust, and the Police Force’s response is an important step towards strenghtening trust within our towns," the council said.