An enforcement officer was struck by a vehicle after confronting two men suspected of illegal night-time spearfishing near Wied Xaqqa in Birżebbuġa.According to the Malta Ranger Unit, the incident took place last week, during a coastal patrol when rangers spotted two individuals entering the sea with a speargun. The Fisheries Department was alerted, and officers arrived on site shortly after.When the suspects returned to their vehicle, they were approached by enforcement officers and initially claimed they had been conducting “research”. However, a speargun was later found hidden nearby.Tensions escalated as the men began arguing with officers, with one of them allegedly grabbing the confiscated speargun and placing it back in their vehicle. The pair then attempted to flee the scene.As officers called for police assistance, the driver reportedly drove towards one of them, hitting him before escaping. The officer was not seriously injured.The suspects, who have been identified, now face potential charges including assault on a public officer and obstruction of justice, in addition to fines related to illegal spearfishing.A police report has been filed, and investigations are ongoing.Images: Malta Ranger Unit•