A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of his son during an argument in Għaxaq on Friday morning.

Antoine Dalli, 37, was killed and his father, Salvu, 68, is now being held by police, who are treating the case as a homicide.

Police were called to Triq il-Gudja after a row between the father and son at the father's home at around 11.15am.

Officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit and district police found the victim in the bathroom. He was shot in the abdomen and was certified dead on site. His father was arrested and a the suspected murder weapon seized.

Magistrate Rachel Montebello is leading an inquiry.

Six months ago, Salvu Dalli was involved in a family row involving his daughter-in-law. He was fined €500 and handed a suspended jail term for attempting to strike her with a penknife.

The court heard that the row was sparked after Dalli attempted to retrieve personal belongings, including an old sewing machine, from his son’s estranged wife, who the court then issued with a four-year protection order.

Dalli had appeared in court, leaning on a walking stick and admitted attempted grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife without a licence.

Photo: The scene of the incident in Triq il-Gudja. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier