Luke Micallef, the seven-year-old boy who fell into a dry watercourse at Chadwick Lakes, has been off life support for four days, but remains in serious condition.

His father Robert, replying to readers’ concerns in timesofmalta.com, wrote back to thank everyone for their support.

“ A big thank you to the emergency services including the person who took my call, and to the dedicated staff of the ITU who treat every patient like a member of their own family with love and respect,” he said.

“ Luke is still in a bad way, he has been off life support for four days now, but he is in deep asleep most of the time which I am told is "normal" in these cases.

“But there is no " normal" in head injuries, and we will know if he will return to normal brain function and life only at a later stage.

“After the life support machine was switched off, he sat up and said " I want to walk out". He has been asleep since. He does nod his head to some questions.”

Mr Micallef said Luke's three-year-old brother “seems traumatised to say the least.”

Mr Micallef also called on those who were calling for more care and attention to explain what they meant.

“Luke was next to his mother in the middle of the pathway. He was not on the edge. I know that the place is not a city street. That’s why we were there, to avoid traffic and get some fresh air."

Mr Micallef said Luke had a star cyclist. “Now, maybe, he moves a hand"

On comments about whether or not there should have been a fence, Mr Micallef stood by his view that there should have been protection.

Replying to some commenters he said: “Yes, we have been abroad thank you very much, and in places where families go out there has always been a fence, yes even on the Alps. Its not true (that it is because) of the environment that its not fenced. Because no one complained that the tarmac was made so that cars are now driving faster down that road. No one thinks safety in this country. And the fence will be done I assure you, even if I have to pay for it myself.”