The Policia Nacional has claimed to have solved at least two of the latest shootings in Marbella.
It comes after the force made seven arrests on Thursday following an extensive investigation into two shootings on December 2 and January 3.
Despite early speculation about organised crime or drug-related violence, investigators have now ruled that out as a motive.
Instead, officers say the gunfire stemmed from a personal feud between two families, sparked by a ‘relationship dispute’.
Although firearms were brandished during the confrontations, no one was injured, police said.
According to police sources cited by local media, those taken into custody include the alleged gunmen involved in both incidents.
Detectives established that the shootings were connected and formed part of the same ongoing conflict.
The breakthrough came after an intensive investigation by Marbella’s homicide unit, which identified both families at the centre of the dispute.
Early on Thursday morning, more than 50 officers took part in coordinated raids on two properties. During the searches, police seized two real handguns, ammunition, several replica weapons and a quantity of cash – as well as a creepy clown mask.
The operation involved a wide range of specialist units, including armed response officers, public order teams, drug squad detectives and support from provincial and national police units.
Aerial surveillance, dog handlers and elite tactical groups were also deployed.
The most recent shooting occurred at the start of January in the Las Albarizas neighbourhood. It was the third gun-related incident reported in Marbella within just one month, and the second to end without injuries.
Shots were fired near Calle Alfredo Palma, close to the spot where another shooting had taken place weeks earlier, in broad daylight, outside a cafe terrace.
With the arrests now made and weapons recovered, police believe the dispute has been neutralised and the case effectively closed.
Read more Costa del Crime news at the Spanish Eye.
