[VIDEO]:Qormi stabbing suspect surrenders unharmed

The man who allegedly stabbed and seriously injured  44-year-old MMDNA nurse Jacqueline Depasquale, in Ta' Farsina Qormi on Thursday evening, spent nearly four hours sitting on a flag pole off a roof in Qormi, threatening to commit suicide.

Psychiatrist David Cassar was on the roof together with the aggressor's brother trying to make the man reason and succumb to the authorities. Finally, Noel Calleja gave in and reconsidered his decision when Magistrate Ian Farrugia spoke to him. He was taken to Mater Dei hospital by ambulance.

Noel Calleja managed to escape the police escort while searching for the knife used during the stabbing. He spent several hours dangled horizontally on a flag pole on a residence roof in Qormi, smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee, while police tried to negotiate with him.

A crowd of curious spectators gathered in the street below to watch the unfolding drama as a trampolene was laid out on site. As night kicked in, the aggressor was convinced not to commit suicide and was taken to hospital under police escort.

He was involved in a similar incident last year.

Members of the Civil Protection Dept, ambulances and a fire engine were on site.

More updates will follow.