An Irish man has been shot dead by police in Malta.

Former soldier Edward Johnston is suspected of murdering his partner Nicolette Ghirxi (48) at an apartment in Birkirkara, a city in the east of Malta's main island.

Mr Johnston was shot dead in Saint Julian's after he had pointed a weapon at police.

Murder

On The Pat Kenny Show, Irish Times crime correspondent Conor Gallagher explained how the situation came about.

"[Edward Johnston] was in a relationship with the victim, a Maltese national who worked for a local bank," he said.

"Authorities first became aware something was wrong when Johnston appeared at the Hilton Hotel in Malta and demanded a drink at midnight last night.

"He was informed the bar was closed, at which point he brandished a weapon, which we now know was a replica revolver, and staff, who were obviously terrified, called the police."

Mr Gallagher said last night's incident led to the standoff in which Mr Johnston was killed today.

"He was then confronted by armed police, and at this stage, he was saying he had murdered someone. They went to the woman's apartment at around 2am, where they found her body," he said.

"They found two knives nearby, and it was clear she'd been killed by stab wounds.

"Meanwhile, negotiations were ongoing with Johnston for about three more hours, with the suspect holding the gun to his head at certain stages.

"The police said in a press conference this morning he pointed the replica firearm at police and was hit three times in the chest."

Mr Gallagher added that there are two separate investigations ongoing in Malta into the deaths of Mr Johnston and Ms Ghirxi.

Department

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said:

"The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance," it said.

"As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases."

Officers had reportedly responded to calls that an armed man had threatened staff at the Hilton Hotel.