Updated | British police launch ‘murder investigation’ into Maltese man’s death

Plymouth Police Police have now released a photo supplied by members of murdered Maltese national Michael Brincat’s family

Andy Bickleith and DS Paul Burgan at a press conference this afternoon
Andy Bickleith and DS Paul Burgan at a press conference this afternoon

Plymouth Police have now released a photo supplied by members of Michael Brincat's family in Malta. Although it is around six years old, it was taken during his last visit to the island and it is understood to have remained a good likeness of him.

76 year-old Michael Brincat man could have been smothered by someone he knew, according to British detectives who have launched a murder inquiry into his death.

Brincat's body, who was partially disabled, and was known to locals in his neighbourhood as 'Maltese Mike', was discovered inside his flat in Devonport, Plymouth, last week.

But Police today revealed that they believe Brincat could have been asphyxiated as they announced that the death was being treated as suspicious and the case was now a murder investigation following a post-mortem examination.

A forensic post-mortem investigation has also taken place as officers try to piece together clues to Brincat's last moments.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan said that "this is a complicated crime scene and we do not have a definitive motive.

"We believe Mr Brincat may have been asphyxiated," Supt Burgan added.

Brincat, was found lying on the floor in his Marlborough House flat in Granby Way just after midday on Wednesday, February 6. Burgan explained, adding that "major crime detectives and

local neighbourhood staff are now making detailed enquiries to piece together events leading up to the death of Michael Brincat. These enquiries include detailed CCTV retrieval, extensive house- to-house inquiries and a comprehensive review of the crime scene."

Chief Superintendent Andy Bickley said that "at that time this incident was treated as an unexplained death. However, once the post-mortem examination began on Monday morning it became apparent that a forensic post-mortem test was required, and which was carried out yesterday.

"The forensic post-mortem results have since confirmed this is a suspicious death, and as of this morning a full murder inquiry has been launched, which is being managed by the major crime investigation team, being led by Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan.

"Based on what we know so far, we believe this is an isolated incident and we have no information to suggest anyone else is in imminent danger, though we would encourage local people as always, to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately."

While police are reviewing CCTV, officers have urged persons who can piece together Brincat's last movements to come forward.