A man was hospitalised following a violent altercation in Marsalforn on Sunday evening when petrol was allegedly thrown along the busy Gozo promenade and ignited around 9pm.

The sudden flash of fire sent evening crowds scrambling in panic, with many fleeing the area. Amid the chaos, a group of foreign bystanders rushed forward to smother the flames using their shirts.

Paramedics treated the severely injured man at the scene before transporting him to the hospital. Unconfirmed reports also suggested a young Italian woman may have sustained injuries during the incident.

Police have launched an active investigation to determine the exact sequence of events and locate those responsible.