The police have confirmed that police officer Simon Schembri has been released from the Intensive Treatment Unit, Mater Dei’s critical injuries ward. The police officer was left battling for his life after being attacked in a brutal hit-and-run in Luqa that left him with a collapsed lung and led to the amputation of his arm above the elbow. 

Emergency doctor Michael Spiteri had been sent to the scene of the crime on the morning of the 15th of May. He recounted that he had found the police officer lying on the street with blood sprayed all around him. He had lost a lot of blood, and was having difficulties breathing due to the collapsed lung. 

He was left with grievous injuries that led to a national outpouring of support for the heroic police officer injured in the line of duty.

“If it’s not the worst, it’s definitely among the three worst cases that I’ve seen in my 20 year career,” said Dr. Spiteri. “The skin on his right hand was pretty much all gone.”

A number of developments occurred following the attack. The government pledges to cover all medical costs, including any treatment abroad he might need, as others set up fundraisers for the family following the attack. Liam Debono, the 17-year-old driver responsible for the hit-and-run, is currently under arrest.

Three young adults who made light of the police officer’s situation in public comments on Facebook were sentenced to 11 days in prison by Magistrate Joe Mifsud in what might have been a breach of human rights. They were let out yesterday.

What do you think of this latest development?

READ NEXT: ‘I Will Always Love You My Hero’: Daughter Of Police Officer On Life Support Speaks Amidst Shower Of Comments And Prayers Following Luqa Hit-And-Run

Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]