Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield has expressed his support for police officers who were injured in an incident in St Julian's on Friday morning, saying his thoughts are with them and their families.

In a Facebook post, Bedingfield said his thoughts were with the officers who are receiving medical treatment after they were attacked. He noted that one of the officers sustained serious injuries.

"My thoughts are with them and with their families," the minister wrote.

Bedingfield also confirmed that the alleged aggressor, whom he identified as a Maltese national, has been arrested.

The Minister thanked the Malta Police Force for what he described as its "extraordinary work" and pledged his full solidarity and support to officers.

"In this difficult moment, you have my full solidarity and support. The entire country stands behind you," he wrote.

Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg also expressed its solidarity with the police officers injured during the incident in St Julian's on Friday, while thanking members of the disciplined forces who worked to restore order.

The Nationalist Party also thanked members of the disciplined forces who work every day to maintain public order and safety, sometimes at risk to their own lives, the statement said.

The statement was signed by PN shadow minister for Home Affairs Conrad Borg Manchè.

On Friday morning, two police officers were injured, one of them seriously, after an armed man opened fire on officers during a tense hours-long standoff in St Julian's

The operation began at around 10.30am when police were informed of what is believed to have been an arson attempt involving a crane basket carrying construction workers in the area.

According to a police spokesman, the man who later barricaded himself inside a residence is the same individual seen in a video allegedly setting fire beneath the crane basket while workers were on board.

Police immediately responded to the scene and arrested one person. However, another man fled to a nearby residence in Birkirkara Hill, where he barricaded himself while armed with a firearm.

Momentum also exprssed its concern following today's shooting in St Julian's, during which police officers were injured while carrying out their duty.

Our thoughts are first and foremost with the injured officers, their families, loved ones, and colleagues. We sincerely hope that both officers make a full and swift recovery, particularly the officer who remains in critical condition, Momentum said

We also extend our thoughts to all those who witnessed this traumatic incident, including nearby residents, workers, and members of the emergency services who responded with courage and professionalism under extremely difficult circumstances.