Updated 6.15pm

A 49-year-old man is in critical condition after he was shot outside his home in a rural area between Dingli and Rabat. 

Noel Ciantar, a man who has battled NGOs, private landowners and government entities to protect his property rights, was shot in the back using a shotgun. 

Ciantar is best known for opposing a plan by former Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg to build a swimming pool, 

Police responded to reports of the shooting at midday on Friday in the remote area, surrounded by fields in Wied Ħażrum.

Police did not identify the victim or provide any details about his relationship with the aggressor, since they do not yet know who the latter is.  Officers are also unsure whether there were one or more attackers, police spokesman Brandon Pisani said at the scene. 

But in a statement later, the police said the aggressor fled the scene and a search for him is underway by the Rapid Unit and the Special Intervention Unit.

Times of Malta later confirmed, through sources, that Ciantar was the man shot. He is understood to be in a stable condition. 

Pisani said one shot was fired at the victim, who has been taken to Mater Dei Hospital. 

The shooting took place in the area behind the victim's home. It is unclear whether the attacker escaped on foot or by car.

An inquiry is being held.