The family of Nicholas Azzopardi said this morning they were willing to testify about an alleged relationship between a former police officer and their late son's wife in court but would not divulge their source of information until the Whistle Blower Act was in place.

Nicholas Azzopardi died in April 2008 while in police custody.

Police Commissioner John Rizzo has asked the Attorney General to reopen a magisterial inquiry into Mr Azzopardi's death, following questions being raised about a keywitness' credibility.

Mr Azzopardi suffered serious injuries while in police custody in 2008. He was hospitalised and subsequently claimed he was viciously beaten and flung over bastion walls by police officers. The police strenuously denied the allegations, and claimed that Mr Azzopardi had hurt himself by jumping off a wall in an attempt to escape. He subsequently died as a result of his injuries.

Mr Azzopardi's father Joseph and his son Reno went to the police headquarters this morning, after they were called to answer a few questions yesterday.

Speaking to timesofmalta.com before and after their meeting with the police, the Azzopardi's said they were asked whether they would be willing to testify about the alleged relationship.

They said they were willing to speak about the relationship but would not divulge their source of information until the Whistle Blower Act was in place, offering adequate protection.

They also insisted that an inquiry had to be completely independent if it had to be of any value. At the very least, it had to start from scratch.

The Azzopardi said they had complete confidence in police but there were a few rotten apples. Their information, he said, should not be added on to the existing inquiry but there should be a new investigation.