Updated 3.30 p.m.

A traffic policeman was assaulted and suffered slight injuries this morning in an incident in Attard, but he still managed to arrest one of the aggressors.

The incident happened at around 10.30 when the policeman, PC Robert Vassallo, stopped a van and was about to issue a ticket over a number plate which was so dirty that it could not be read. Suddenly the van was driven at the officer, who leapt out of the way. It then drove off.

The policeman followed on his motorcycle while calling for backup.

The van stopped and as the policeman got off his bike, the two occupants of the van came out and assaulted him.

The policeman managed to grab hold of one of the men and when back-up arrived, he was arrested,

The second man ran off.

But as PV Vassallo was being taken to hospital in a car of the Administrative law Enforcement section the second suspect was reported to be near Lija church. The car diverted to Lija and the second man was then also arrested.

Both men, thought to be Syrian, are expected to be taken to court tomorrow.

With back-up having arrived, the aggressor, believed to be a foreigner, was arrested.

The second PC Vassallo was taken to hospital in a car of the Administrative was treated in hospital for slight injuries.