Two security officers have been suspended as they are investigated after a Times of Malta photographer was manhandled at Mater Dei Hospital car park as he tried to take photos of a burning car yesterday afternoon.

The incident happened at around noon when Jason Borg arrived at the car park where he saw a number of people already taking photos of the vehicle with their mobile phones.

However, as soon as he took out his camera, security officers employed with G4S Security Service asked Mr Borg who he worked for.

When he informed them he was a photographer for Times of Malta, one security officer grabbed the strap of his camera to try and take it while shouting that no photos were allowed.

One of the security officers challenged the photographer to a fight

Mr Borg managed to hold on to his camera and started using his mobile phone to take a video. However, one of the security officers forced the mobile phone out of his hands, tearing Mr Borg’s shirt sleeve.

One of the security officers then challenged the photographer to a fight.

Mr Borg moved away and was followed by the security guards. He tried to borrow a mobile phone to make a call but the security guards told the people who had gathered around not to get involved.

A friend lent Mr Borg his mobile phone but was insulted by the security officers.

They then gave Mr Borg his mobile phone back. However, footage of the recording was missing. A police report has been filed. The Health Ministry is investigating the incident.

Kenneth Demartino, chairman at G4S Security Services, said two security officials had been suspended prior to further investigations.

“I have received an initial report and I’m waiting for the full complete report. With that in hand, then the company will take the decision,” he said.

The Labour Party and Alternattiva Demokratika expressed solidarity with Mr Borg. Labour called for more respect for journalists in their line of duty and AD called the act totally unacceptable, “even more so when the target is a journalist”.