A man has been arrested in connection with the arson attack on the historic festive arch in Floriana.

The police arrested the 33-year-old Valletta resident late last night. He is scheduled to appear before the courts later on today.

The arch, which is used to celebrate St Publius fest, was burned down one week before the town was getting ready to celebrate the feast of their patron saint.

It is made entirely of wood, has been around for roughly 120 years, being built in the year 1899.

The fire was reported at 1:30am on 27 April, and it took firefighters nearly an hour and a half to put it out entirely. By 3 am the fire was out, but there was nothing left of the arch.

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Julian Bonnici

Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.