Missing Teen: €1,000 Reward Offered in Birkirkara

In the quiet streets of Birkirkara, a town known for its bustling markets and traditional Maltese architecture, a sense of unease has settled. The reason? A 16-year-old student, Matthew Camilleri, has been missing for over a week, and his worried family is offering a €1,000 reward for any information leading to his safe return.

Matthew’s Disappearance

Matthew was last seen on the evening of Tuesday, April 12th, near his home in Triq San Pawl, Birkirkara. He had stepped out to meet a friend but never returned. His family reported him missing the following day, setting off a search that has involved local police, community volunteers, and social media campaigns.

Matthew is described as being of slim build, with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, and white trainers. Despite extensive searches in the area, including nearby landmarks like the Birkirkara Parish Church and the popular Il-Majjistral Park, there’s been no sign of him.

Community Rallies Around the Camilleri Family

The Birkirkara community has rallied around the Camilleri family, with many joining search parties and sharing Matthew’s photo on social media. Local businesses have also shown their support, displaying posters in their windows and offering rewards to encourage anyone with information to come forward.

One such business is Café del Mondo, a popular spot in Birkirkara’s main square. Owner, Mario Borg, told Hot Malta, “We’ve put up posters and shared Matthew’s photo on our social media. We’re offering a €200 reward ourselves, hoping it might encourage someone to speak up.”

Police Appeal for Information

Malta Police have been investigating the case, treating it as a high priority. They have appealed to the public for any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Superintendent of the Birkirkara Police Station, Raymond Mifsud, told Hot Malta, “We’re following every lead, and we urge anyone who may have seen Matthew or knows anything about his whereabouts to come forward.”

If you have any information, please contact the Birkirkara Police Station on 2122 4001 or the 119 emergency number.

The Camilleri family has also set up a Facebook page, Find Matthew Camilleri, where they share updates and express their desperation for news about their son.

As the search for Matthew enters its second week, the Birkirkara community remains hopeful. The words of Matthew’s mother, Maria Camilleri, echo this hope: “We just want our Matthew home. Please, if you know anything, come forward.”