A man was fatally stabbed in an apartment in Hamrun this evening and the alleged aggressor was arrested a short while later after an intensive police search.

The stabbing took place during a fight at about 7.30pm in the housing estate in Giovanni Barbara Street, Hamrun.

The victim was Brandon Pace, 21.

Some of those involved used knives and threw stones and pieces of tiles, sources said.

Another man was seriously injured and others - the alleged aggressor and his parents - ran away from the scene as the police arrived. They were later arrested and the alleged aggressor was given medical treatment.

On site were relatives of the dead man, including his partner, who witnessed the fight and was treated for shock by a medical crew.

This was the fifth murder this year.