Irish man shot by police in Malta after murder of ex-partner

An Irish man in his 50s has been shot dead by police in Malta after allegedly murdering his ex-partner.

Local media have reported that Edward William Johnston, a 50-year-old resident in Malta, was shot along the shoreline in St Julian’s in the early hours of Sunday, August 11, after they negotiated with him for three hours.

A woman, named locally as Nicolette Ghirxi, was found dead in an apartment by Maltese police in the village of Birkirkara, six kilometres away from St Julian’s.

Local news publication Malta Daily has reported that Mr Johnston had entered a hotel in St Julian’s and threatened employees with what later turned out to be a replica gun, revealing that he had murdered a person moments before.

A three-hour stand off ensued after police discovered Ms Ghirxi's body, with a knfe beside her.

Police attempted to negotiate with Mr Johnston, who at one point was in the sea with the gun pointed at himself, according to local news outlets.

He was shot by police after allegedly attempting to charge at them with the replica weapon. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement it was aware of the case and was providing consular assistance.

“As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of individual cases,” it said.

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, who is from Malta, said “Nicolette Ghirxi should be alive today”.

“Instead, Malta must bury another daughter,” she said on Facebook.

“Our grief must turn into action. Our anger must fuel change. The epidemic of violence against women cannot go on.

“Not one more. Be their voice.”

Additional reporting by PA