Security procedures have been tightened at the Freeport. Photo: Jason Borg

The police are investigating an alleged fight at the gates of the Freeport involving three newly-recruited security officers and a manager.

Sources told Times of Malta yesterday that conflicting reports were filed at the Birżebbuġa police station last week, with two parties giving a different account of events.

The incident was witnessed by two planning authority officers who were being escorted by a Freeport manager inside the terminal.

According to the sources, an argument ensued between three security officers employed by the corporation – the Freeport’s regulator – and the manager over security clearance.

This developed into a full-blown fist fight, with the manager ending up on the ground, heavily bruised.

The sources said the security officers involved were recruited by Transport Malta just a few weeks ago and were immediately seconded to the Freeport.

Corporation CEO Aaron Farrugia confirmed that a fight had been reported to him and said details had been submitted to the police.

“It was the Freeport manager who started the fight and my officers had to defend themselves,” he said.

The manager insists the opposite happened.

Mr Farrugia said it appeared that some people at the Freeport who were used to the lax security in the past were not comfor-table with new procedures being introduced.