The death of a Gozitan man who was run over and killed yesterday in front of tourists is now a murder investigation, police said today. 

John Spiteri, 53, was run over by a 4x4 vehicle and dragged along the road for a few metres at Qbajjar, near Marsalforn, police said.

Assistant Police Commissioner Ray Zammit said the victim, accompanied by his son, had been pruning trees in preparation for the setting up of a summer soft drinks kiosk.

They were approached by a 63-year-old Gozitan man who protested over the trimming of the trees. Spiteri and the other man came to blows. The aggressor - whose name was not disclosed -  suffered facial injuries. No weapons were used.

He then got into his 4x4 and drove at Mr Spiteri.

The incident was witnessed by a number of people, including tourists.

Both men were taken to hospital where Mr Spiteri died at 8.30 pm.

The aggressor is still in hospital and has not spoken to the police yet.

Mr Zammit said the police are treating the case as a murder investigation.