The Malta traffic police officer who almost died in a horror hit-and-run accident has been taken off a life support machine.
Doctors said PC Simon Schembri, 48, was ‘responding well’ to treatment and was in a ‘stable condition’.
He remains in intensive care at Mater Dei Hospital after suffering serious injuries when he was hit by a Mercedes in Luqa on Tuesday.
The father-of-three from Paola’s right arm had to be amputated below the elbow.
He was also treated for a collapsed lung, friction burns, and fractures to his pelvis and ribs.
Police officers will take to the streets of Valletta on Saturday to show their support for PC Schembri in a rally organised by the police union.
Let us join in prayer for Constable Simon Schembri and his family at this difficult moment.
— Marie-Louise Coleiro (@MarieLouise_MT) May 15, 2018
His son Sheean took to social media to condemn those posting anti-police messages on Facebook.
He wrote: ‘I can proudly say that this brave and kindhearted police officer is my father.
‘What happened is very heartbreaking as he was just doing his job to stop that young man from driving without a seat belt.
‘To go in hospital and see him in such a state where you are uncertain if he will wake up or not the next day is suffocating.
‘Blue lives matter. Dad, I hope that you have a fast recovery. Love you.’
Solidarity with @MaltaPolice officer who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident while on traffic management duties. Glad alleged perpetrator has already been apprehended -JM @dr_micfarr
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) May 15, 2018
PC Schembri’s daughter Leah posted a photo of her father on Facebook and described him as her ‘hero’.
She wrote: ‘I will always love you, my hero, my king.’
Police officers have changed their Facebook profile pictures to ‘Blue Lives Matter’ as a mark of respect.
Colleagues and friends of PC Schembri paid tribute to him as ‘a valued member of the Malta police force’.
Inspector Pierguido Saliba, from the police traffic unit, said: ‘Apart from being police officers, we are human beings.
‘All of us have been deeply affected by what’s happened this week. We are one family. He is like our brother.
‘But ultimately, we have a job to do and we need to abide by the oath we took to protect and serve society.
‘Our duty is to our job.’
An underage driver has appeared in court, charged with PC Schembri’s attempted murder.
Liam Debono, 17, from Tarxien pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody.
