Shock rippled through the Duquesa port area of the Costa Del Sol, Spain, yesterday after a man was filmed appearing to have slit another man’s throat. Tourists could be seen looking on as the man shouted and waved on a balcony, while a man with a towel wrapped around his face stood next to him, blood pouring from his neck. Police in full body armour entered the property and the injured man was taken from the scene in an ambulance, expat newspaper The Olive Press reports. The incident has shocked tourists and locals alike – is it safe to travel to the area?
Manilva town hall said in a statement: “Yesterday afternoon, in the port of Duquesa, local police officers intervened, avoiding a tragic situation, saving the life of a Serbian citizen, who had been threatened with death by a fellow national.
“The victim, blindfolded, and stained with blood, was held by the aggressor on one of the balconies overlooking the port, in front of astonished neighbours.
“The officers immediately tried to calm the aggressor down, who was waving a knife in a threatening manner.
“While an officer was trying to convince him, her partner gained entry to the house and reduced the aggressor.”
The Mayor of Manilva Mario Jimenez said: “This was an isolated acts which required a forceful response to ensure the safety of the population.”
Local police have yet to comment on the case but have appealed for witnesses to come forward with any video or photo evidence.
The FCO have not updated their advice to Spain in light of the situation, which is likely to be an isolated incident.
Writing about travel to Spain generally, the FCO said: “Nearly 19 million British nationals visited Spain last year. Most visits are trouble-free.”
In advice on crime in Spain, the FCO said: “Make sure your accommodation has adequate security measures in place and lock all doors and windows at night or when you aren’t in.
“If you’re a tourist and are concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your tour operator or the owner. Make sure you know the contact details of the local emergency services and the location of the nearest police station.”
A local barman from nearby Roadrunner bar told The Olive Press: “Suddenly there was all this commotion and I looked to see what was happening outside, then all these people started running into the bar.
“They were screaming that there was a man with a knife, everyone was looking up and could see the other man tied up and bleeding up on the balcony.”
Philip Day, a British oil worker living in Estepona, added: “When I saw the man with the towel covering his face I thought he was going to kill him.”
While Spain is generally a safe destination, the FCO says terrorist attacks are “likely”.
It says: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. The Spanish authorities take measures to protect visitors, but you should be vigilant and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
“On 17/18 August 2017, there were 2 terrorist-related incidents where vehicles were driven directly at pedestrians, resulting in injuries and loss of life. These were in the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona and Cambrils, near Salou (100km southwest of Barcelona).
“There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.”
What other risks are there for travellers? The FCO warns: “Forest fires occur frequently in Spain (including Spanish islands) during the summer months. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, don’t light barbecues and don’t leave empty bottles behind.”