One of the Transport Malta officials filmed punching a motorist as he laid on the ground worked as an election canvasser for former Transport Minister Ian Borg, according to reports on Wednesday.

The Times of Malta reported that Rene Antonelli and Ivan Cassar were the two Transport Malta officials who were filmed punching a man in the head as he was on the ground outside his car.

The video shocked the country when it came to light on Wednesday, and both officials have been suspended while a police investigation has also been launched.

Antonelli is said to have been an election canvasser for Ian Borg, and his social media profile is filled with photos of him and the now-Foreign Affairs Minister at various events.

Borg said he had nothing to say when he was contacted by the newspaper.

The alleged incident happened on Qormi Road in Marsa, on 26 October.

News reports read that the motorist had been pulled over for drink driving.

The video, first posted by Lovin Malta, shows a Transport Malta official getting off his motorbike, heading over to the man who was face down on the ground and punching him in the head, while another officer also joined in.

Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia condemned the incident and said that the two officials had been immediately suspended, but he too found himself in hot water after PN MPs said that he had deliberately avoided entering Parliament during question time in Tuesday evening’s sitting.