An Italian woman shocked morning drivers outside the Sta Venera tunnels yesterday when she stripped naked in the middle of the road.

Walking slowly on the dotted white line and seemingly in a daze, the 25-year-old woman surprised drivers coming out of the tunnel in the direction of the University at about 8.30 a.m.

Although the police could not officially give any details, sources said she was not in full control of her senses.

The woman, holidaying in Malta, was wearing a short denim skirt and purple top which she took off along with her shoes as flabbergasted drivers looked on. She started undressing until she was in her bra and a pair of pants.

A police officer who was on his way to work pulled over and intervened. As soon as she saw him, she removed her underwear and ran off.

Other police officers passing by tried to catch the woman who, at that point, became aggressive and started shouting for help in Italian: “Aiuto, Aiuto”.

Still in her birthday suit, she collapsed on the pavement, close to the speed camera. The officers went next to her and tried to help her up but she could not stand on her feet.

The flow of cars heading towards Marsa had slowed down by now to watch the scene, causing long lines of traffic back to the tunnels by the University.

The policemen picked her clothes up and asked passing cars if they had anything to cover the woman with. A woman stopped, offering a sheet which was used to cover the naked woman. Eventually, a police mobile car drew up and she was helped in it. She was taken to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment and kept overnight.

It is not yet known whether any charges will be filed against her.