Irishman shot dead by police in Malta after allegedly murdering his ex-partner

An Irishman has been shot dead by police in Malta after he allegedly murdered his ex-partner on Sunday.

The man, who has been identified as Edward Johnston by local media, is believed to have killed Nicolette Ghirxi (48) with a knife in an apartment in Birkirkara, a city in the east of Malta’s main island.

The two had reportedly been in a relationship which had broken down.

The Irish embassy in Malta confirmed to The Irish Times that it was aware an Irish citizen had been killed by police.

The body of Ms Ghirxi, who was from Malta, was found at 2am on Monday in her apartment. Mr Johnston was shot dead near the Hilton Hotel, about 6km away, by police.

The Times of Malta reported that he had pointed a weapon at police before being shot. The weapon turned out to be a replica gun.

Police negotiators spoke to him at length before the shooting. Officers then went to Ms Ghirxi’s apartment and discovered her body.

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.”