Mali migrant dies after return to detention centre

Police are investigating the death of a 32-year-old migrant from Mali who died while being escorted to the Paola health centre.

According to the Detention Services, the immigrant had escaped from the detention centre three years ago and was only found yesterday afternoon when he went to the Floriana medical centre seeking medical assistance.

"The immigrant was then escorted to the detention centre in Hal Safi. He however started showing signs of aggressiveness towards the other migrants held at the centre," the Detention Services said.

It added that he was once again taken to the Floriana health centre. There an appointment was requested for the man to be examined urgently by a psychiatrist. The appointment was made for this morning.

"But on his return to Safi, the migrant became aggressive again to the point that he was going to be attacked by the other migrants. He was taken to the guardroom. He then charged and escaped," it said. The Detention Services however did not clarify whether the Mali managed to escape while he was being escorted to the room or whether he escaped from the room.

He was however apprehended a short while later in Safi by the detention officers.

According to the statement, the immigrant was aggressive with the officers and attacked them. One of the officers reportedly suffered injuries and was also bit.

The Detention Services said that the migrant was once again taken to a health centre, this time in Rahal Gdid, for a medical examination.

"He was certified dead by the doctor who examined him in the van," the statement added.

In a separate statement issued by its communication office, the Police said that upon their arrival at the health centre, the escorting officers noticed that he was unconscious and requested the doctor's assistance.

Five persons are helping the police with its investigations.