A 32-year-old Turkish petroleum engineer who jumped into the sea to escape the police was remanded in custody at Mount Carmel Hospital.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella appointed a psychiatrist to examine Yilmaz Goktaz after his suspicious behaviour in court. He remained handcuffed during the court proceedings.

The Turk was arrested after an 18-year-old called at Msida police station on Tuesday evening to report he was being followed by a man who then walked in and sat on a bench.

After ignoring questions by the police and refusing to give his details, he became hysterical when he was informed he was being arrested. He assaulted a police sergeant and a constable and started smashing window panes at the station with his head.

He then took to the streets with the police in hot pursuit until he quickly undressed and dived into the sea, swimming towards Manoel Island

He then took to the streets with the police in hot pursuit until he quickly undressed and dived into the sea, swimming towards Manoel Island. He was caught shortly after by members of the Armed Forces of Malta’s Maritime Squadron, Police Inspector Jonathan Ransley explained.

Mr Goktaz was accused of assaulting the police, threatening them, resisting arrest, damaging the police station and stalking a man.

In court, he refused to be represented by a lawyer and would not give all his details, including his father’s name.

He said he was due to fly back to Turkey within an hour but the police said he was booked at a language school until next month.

Magistrate Vella said the court had reservations on the psychological and psychiatric state of the accused. She ordered that he be held at Mt Carmel Hospital and appointed a psychiatrist to examine him and report within three weeks.