The threat to the head of land transport at Transport Malta, who survived a bomb attack earlier this month, was made in a religious Christmas card that was opened by his pregnant wife, sources told The Sunday Times.

Konrad Pulè, who together with his wife Analiz is expecting their first baby in March, has faced a tortuous festive season.

On December 2, his office was targeted when a bomb was lowered in line with the only window from the back of the transport authority’s premises on the side of the Sa Maison pine grove.

Mr Pulè escaped unhurt but his colleague, traffic expert Major Peter Ripard, 74, lost a leg and is still recovering.

Last Wednesday, the 32-year-old received a Christmas card at home with the words “I will not forget you”, and a length of rope burnt at one end was enclosed.

According to the sources, the card, depicting the birth of baby Jesus on the front, was scribbled in “childlike handwriting” and in impeccably-spelt Maltese.

“The card came through the normal mail channels and was posted the day before. The couple had not checked the letter box the previous day so it was among other cards. His wife was shocked when she opened it and discovered the threat,” the sources said.

“The rope enclosed was string-like and the envelope was not bulky. In fact, Analiz initially thought it was one of those cards with embossed decorations.”

Mr Pulè is keeping a low profile for the time being, preferring not to speak about the difficult situation he is facing and attempts to contact him proved futile.

The sources said Mr Pulè, who has a reputation for being conscientious, wanted to be left alone to continue with his job. At the moment he is working irregular hours, especially since his office remains a crime scene.

His family seem convinced that the attacks on Mr Pulè, the frontman of the band Scar, are “definitely work-related” and that he is being targeted because of the nature of his job where he comes into contact with people working in different fields. The police are investigating a list of possible suspects.

When contacted, Vanni Pulè, a teacher and popular magician, would only say that his son was “a bit down like all of us, especially at this time of year”.

He thanked everyone for their support and said the family were very satisfied with the security measures being provided for his son – which include policeman stationed outside his door – and the way police were handling the case.