The community of San Lawrenz in Gozo has remembered four of its citizens who died in the Second World War 70 years ago.

No locality in Malta and Gozo was as far removed from the war as tiny San Lawrenz, the northernmost village of Gozo.

But a woman and her three adult daughters, one of whom was pregnant, were killed when a German fighter aircraft swooped down and opened fire at them as they walked to a shelter.

The site - close to the present-day Kempinski San Lawrenz hotel - has now been marked by a simple memorial erected on the initiative of the council and of former mayor Noel Formosa.

The four women were Carmela Farrugia, Guzeppa Farrugia, Marija Farrugia and Nazzarena Attard who was pregnant.

The only other brushes which San Lawrenz had with the war were when a Spitfire crashed near Dwejra and when a soldier from the village was killed while posted elsewhere. The Spitfire pilot was rescued by the people but succumbed to injuries.

Mr Formosa said the purpose of the commemoration was to show the young that the harmony they enjoyed today came at a price.

Mass was held in the parish church before the memorial was dedicated.