Clay slope vegetation 'burned by vandals'

Nature Trust (Malta) said vandals and, possibly, "pyromaniacs" caused what it termed an environmental disaster in Gnejna.

A whole cliff face of clay slope vegetation was burned, the NGO said, adding that the fire kept burning until late on Wednesday evening despite all the efforts of the Civil Protection personnel.

Clay slopes are a rare habitat on the Maltese Islands and give it its unique identity, it said, inviting nature lovers and conscientious citizens to phone 199 or 112 when such cases are noted.