'We are family': Police officers queue to give blood for injured colleagues

Police officers formed queues to donate blood to their two colleagues injured in a shooting on Friday morning. 

Dozens of officers, alongside members of the public, answered an urgent appeal from the Malta Police Union after Sergeant Johann Vella was critically injured when he was shot in the face and neck while responding to an incident. His colleague, Constable Omar Sharif, suffered minor injuries.

At the blood donation centre in Guardamangia, their shocked colleagues arrived throughout the day determined to do whatever they could to help.   

Constable Parnis, who has served in the force for two years, said donating blood was one way he could support his injured colleagues.

An off duty police officer, left, and a LESA official were among those who answered the call to donate. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

"I feel that in the police force, we are all brothers so when I heard that another police officer has been injured, it was as if my brother had been injured," he said.

Constable Mariella Cassar, who knows Sergeant Vella, said she headed straight to the blood donation centre after hearing an urgent appeal for O negative blood.  

"When you hear that a colleague is in danger, in an instant you feel the urge to go help your collage, we are family," she said. 

The blood donation centre said it received 120 calls in three hours to donate. Yasmin Camenzuli, 31, said she got a call from the blood centre as she is frequent donor. 

Labour MP Romilda Zarb was also at the centre. 

A tearful Elaine Vasallo, 36, said she knows Sergeant Vella and his wife personally, and that he is an exemplary father.

"I saw that blood was needed after the incident had occurred and in an instant I wanted to come here," said the social worker.

For Tony Grima, 44, a blacksmith, it was his first time giving blood. 

"I was always reminding myself that I should go donate blood but after what happend today I came here to donate immediately," he said. 

The packed blood donation waiting room. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

The Malta Police Union has widened its appeal, announcing that the National Blood Transfusion Service blood donation van will be stationed outside Police General Headquarters on Saturday between 8.30am and 1pm.

In a social media appeal, the union urged police officers, public officers and members of the public who are eligible to donate blood to come forward. 

"This initiative is open to everyone, and your donation can make a real difference," the union said, thanking Director General Stefania Sgandurra and Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà for swiftly arranging the mobile donation drive.

The appeal follows Friday morning's shooting in the Ta' Giorni area of San Gwann. 

Sergeant Vella is seriously ill after being shot in the face and the neck. Photo: Instagram

Sergeant Vella remains in a serious condition after being shot in the face, while Constable Sharif escaped with less severe injuries.

The alleged gunman has been identified as pensioner John Agius. Police suspect he opened fire after he and another person set fire to a nearby construction site, where workers reportedly had to be rescued moments before shots rang out.

It is understood that some of the workers involved in the incident were Syrian nationals.

In a message of solidarity following the attack, the Syrian Community in Malta condemned the violence, saying: "No worker should ever face violence or be placed in such danger while simply doing their job."