An Msida shopowner is expected to be charged with causing serious injury to a 36-year old Tunisian man who was stabbed in the neck.

The incident occurred in Msida early yesterday morning, police said.

The Tunisian man, Safi Ben Mustafa, was spotted lying in a pool of blood on a pavement in Qrejten Street, Msida, by members of the police mobile squad at about 3 a.m., police said.

An ambulance was called to the scene to tend to the man who was still conscious.

However, on the way to hospital the man`s condition suddenly deteriorated and his injuries became life threatening. His condition improved later, police sources said.

The man was found to be suffering from various knife wounds, one of which was in the side of the neck, just below the ear, police sources said.

Tests carried out on the man revealed that he was under the influence of alcohol, police sources said.

The man, who was staying in a guest house in Gzira, has been in Malta since May 2.

His condition which is not critical, was last night described by the police as stable.

Police inspectors Michael Mallia and Charles Magri from the Criminal Investigations Department are heading the investigations. The duty magistrate was called to the scene and appointed court experts to help with the investigations.