“You always had a radiant smile’: Tributes pour in for woman allegedly killed by Irishman in Malta

Tributes have been pouring in for a woman who was allegedly murdered by an Irishman in Malta.

Nicolette Ghirxi, aged 48, was killed in an apartment in Birkirkara, in east Malta on Sunday.

An Irishman, identified as Edward Johnston by local media, is believed to have killed Ms Ghirxi, who was his ex-partner.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for Ms Ghirxi, who has been described as

“Can't believe the shocking news this morning. A great woman indeed that will be missed by many! Thanks for all the help you gave me at the gym I will never forget all the memories we shared. Fly high,” paid a friend in tribute.

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“What a shock this morning ! Today is a day filled with sadness as we mourn the loss of a truly beautiful person. Nicolette Ghirxi, you always had a radiant smile that could light up any room. We shared many childhood memories together, spending our summer holidays playing Monopoly at your or my house. You were by my side when I got my first pet.  May you rest in peace, Nicolette. You will be deeply missed,” a childhood friend wrote in tribute.

Johnston, 50, a Dublin man was shot dead by police in St Julian’s after allegedly killing his former partner. He was shot by the police after pointing a replica gun at them.

According to Maltese police, Johnston had recently been harassing Ms Ghirxi over social media and set up fake accounts to target her following the end of their relationship.

Ms Ghirxi’s body was found on Monday, at approximately 2am in her apartment in Birkirkara, a city in east Malta.