The Malta Police Union (MPU) has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations following an operation in St Julian's in which a police officer was seriously injured after an armed man opened fire on them during a tense hours-long standoff. 

In a statement published on Facebook, the union called on all eligible members of the public to donate blood in support of the injured officers.

The MPU said there is a particularly urgent need for donors with O negative (O-) blood, although it stressed that donations of all blood groups are needed and could help save lives.

Blood donations can be made at the National Blood Transfusion Centre in St Luke's Square, Guardamangia.

The union thanked the public for its solidarity and support during what it described as a difficult time.