Maltese police officer Simon Schembri is currently clinging to life after sustaining grievous injuries in this morning’s hit-and-run in Luqa – and many around Malta are expressing their heartfelt solidarity with the officer being called a hero.

The 48-year-old father of three suffered critical wounds after 17-year-old Liam Debono ran into him and dragged his body for a distance, causing Schembri’s police helmet to be pulled off and eventually running him over.

Messages of support and prayers have flooded in since news of the gravity of his injuries became known. 

Malta’s leaders expressed their support online

And the police officer’s daughter posted an emotional status about her father

The chief of the police union called for prayers

“A categorical condemnation without reservation” came from the Malta Police Association

They said acts like these were unacceptable in a society that is supposed to be “civil and normal”.

As well as other messages of support from other Maltese citizens

Images from TVM.com.mt

The incident occurred when Schembri attempted to stop Debono, who is 17 years old, to check his license. Debono instead drove into Schembri, whereupon the police officer became embedded on the bonnet of the grey Mercedes Benz. 

Debono then drove from the roundabout near LIDL in Luqa to the industrial estate down Qormi Road. He came to a stop, whereupon Schembri’s body fell onto the street, was reportedly run over. The young man was eventually caught and apprehended closer to the Ta’ Kandja area.

Schembri is currently on life support at Mater Dei.

What do you make of this incident?

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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]