Police search for man who allegedly tried to perform abortion on partner

The police are on the search for a 33-year-old Libyan man who allegedly tried to carry out an abortion on his partner, only to have a change of heart and escape.

According to a report by the Times of Malta, the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the woman’s apartment in Swieqi, when the man forced her into the bathroom and bound her arms and legs.

It was the woman’s 15-year-old daughter who raised alarm when she returned home and found her mother in the bathroom.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the woman, 33, of Morocco, was about two months pregnant, the Times reported, quoting sources.

It is unclear what stage the procedure had reached by the time the man, who reportedly has no medical training, left the apartment. Police investigators are waiting for a medical examination report to learn if the foetus was lost or suffered any injuries, the Times reported.

Investigators believe the man had probably watched videos on YouTube to plan the crime, since he had doused a kitchen knife in gin and used a lighter to set it on fire. It has been confirmed, however, that the knife was not used on the woman as she had no injuries compatible with the use of a knife.

The couple’s relationship is said to have soured after the woman realised she was pregnant. They had been together for nine months.

The victim is currently receiving treatment at Mater Dei Hospital for superficial injuries she sustained while the man was restraining her.

It has yet to be established what made the man change his mind.

It is believed that the man had previous convictions and was known to the police.