Malta-based Briton stabbed in London

The British police are investigating the senseless stabbing of 55-year old Rick Nightingale, an Englishman who lives in Munxar.

Mr Nightingale was stabbed in Primrose Hill, London on December 21, just hours after he arrived to visit relatives for Christmas.

He survived his life-threatening injuries, though he is expected to be detained at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead for several more days.

The police are treating the attack as attempted murder.

Contacted at hospital last night, his daughter Anna was still reeling from shock.

It was 10.30 p.m. after dinner when Mr Nightingale decided to put money into a parking meter outside his daughter's home in Primrose Hill, which is renowned as a "safe area". An individual wearing an orange jacket walked up to Mr Nightingale, pointed a knife at his chest and demanded cash. Mr Nightingale quickly acceded to the request but the man was not happy and demanded his wallet - but not before stabbing him with a knife.

Mr Nightingale managed to stagger back home and actually walk up the stairs.

"At first he actually thought he had been punched and not stabbed," Ms Nightingale told The Times. But after a while he realised what had happened when blood started spurting onto the floor. He collapsed soon after.

"Dad turned white and stopped breathing for a while. Mum and I panicked and called 999. They were incredibly efficient and instructed us on how to provide first aid until the paramedics arrived," the daughter said.

An ambulance took him to hospital where medics found he had been stabbed in the stomach, subsequently infecting his lung. He has been sedated since and has undergone two operations, the latest one yesterday. His aggressor is still on the run. The Kentish Town police, who are investigating the incident, have retrieved an orange jacket and a knife which they believe was used in the attack. Posters have been put up in the area to try and intercept the aggressor.

The police also intend to take the case to the popular BBC series Crimewatch for a reconstruction, which could shed light on the attacker's identity.

Mr Nightingale has been living permanently in Munxar for the past three years, though he has owned a house in Gozo for the past 15 years. His wife Sue and daughter Anna are well-known artists.

"We would like to thank all our friends in Gozo who have been wonderful in relaying their well wishes. Let's all pray for him," Ms Nightingale said.