Updated | Police apprehend knife-wielding teenager after family dispute

A knife-wielding youth was apprehended by police after district officials were called in to defuse a family argument on Sunday afternoon in Bugibba.

The incident occurred on Sunday at around 2:15pm in Triq is-Sajf, Bugibba.

Initial investigations suggested that the 16-year-old teenager had threatened his mother with a knife and belt. However, further investigations by the police and MaltaToday have revealed that the teenager sought to harm himself, rather than his mother.

Sources said that upon seeing her troubled son threatening to harm himself, the mother called the police to intervene.

As soon as the teenager realised that police had arrived, he is said to have run out and escaped to a nearby field. However, sources said that the teenager was apprehended a few moments later and subsequently taken to the Qawra police station for further investigation.

Informed sources said that during the investigation it transpired that the mother was not in any danger but conversely sought to protect her son from harming himself.

Both the youth and his mother were unharmed.