Boy attacked by father remains critical as daughter's condition improves

Updated 5.45pm 

The 12-year-old boy allegedly attacked by his father on Saturday night remains in critical condition, while his 10-year-old daughter's condition has improved, Times of Malta is informed.

Meanwhile, the search for the missing man remains ongoing, with civil protection vessels deployed to patrol the Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq coast on Tuesday.

Salvatore di Prima, 49, from Catania, is suspected of taking his children to a site close to the White Rocks complex on Saturday night, where he became violent.

His daughter managed to escape her father's grasp, fled the scene and raised the alarm. Police later found his son suffering from grievous injuries. 

Sources said the 12-year-old remains in intensive care at Mater Dei Hospital. 

The father, who had access to the children, fled before police officers arrived. His phone was later found on the rocks in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq. A message had been sent in which the man claimed to have "killed" his son and wanted to end his life.

Police received two reports last month alleging that the man now being sought in connection with the attempted murder of his children had harassed his estranged wife. He also filed a report during the same period.

Police insisted, however, that no domestic violence reports had been filed in connection with the shocking case. 

Though there are no reports of any domestic violence incidents involving the suspect and his estranged wife or children, the police confirmed that reports of harassment were filed with the police's domestic violence unit on February 22 and again on February 26.

"The police received reports from both parties, as in February, they filed reports against each other concerning their personal relationship. These reports did not indicate domestic violence, either between them or involving the children, nor any signs of abuse towards the children," a police spokesperson told Times of Malta.

"However, they were updated with information and advised that if either of them had further contact or advances, they should inform the police. They were also made aware of the available services. No further reports were made thereafter," the police said.

A civil protection patrolling the area on Tuesday. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Request for urgent protection order after Saturday's crime

Sources said the mother filed for an urgent protection order after Saturday's crime.

Police are continuing to search for di Prima. On Monday morning, searches focused on the coastline along Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and Pembroke though the search has been widened across Malta.

Friends and family of di Prima have expressed shock at the developments.

A friend told Times of Malta the plasterer had "always spoken lovingly of his kids" and had tattooed their names on his arms. They said they would have "never expected" di Prima to carry out the alleged crimes.

Anyone with information about him is requested to contact the police, even anonymously, by calling 2122 4001 or 119.