Photographic evidence confirms that it is not just the top part that has fallen off - the stacks have gone too.

A Xagħra resident - Roger Chessell - witnessed the window collapse at approximately 09.40 local time.

“There was a big raging sea beneath the window. Suddenly, the arch collapsed into the sea with a loud whoomph, throwing up a huge spray. By the time the spray had faded, the stack had gone too."

In 2013 a three-month geological study concluded that the structure was not in imminent danger of collapsing, although erosion was inevitable. It was believed by geologists at the time that the Azure Window would survive for decades.

It is hoped that the topography will make for some new interesting dives. Local divers are currently speculating if the Blue Hole and entrance has been damaged by the fall.