A Palestinian man who jumped into the water at Marsascala Bay on Monday was trying to run away from the police who tried to arrest him for allegedly having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl.

Police wanted to arrest 22-year-old Akef Neji Werd from Gaza but he jumped into the water after resisting arrest. The man was at first thought to have escaped from the Ħal Safi detention centre during the riot that took place early on Monday morning.

Mr Werd is denying the charges.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli remanded him in custody.

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