A German national has been arrested in Sevilla after police caught him taking close-up photographs of children during Semana Santa.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday evening at around 7pm in Calle Granada, a key route along the city’s busy Semana Santa procession corridor.

According to local police, two officers from the Policía Local de Sevilla became suspicious after noticing the man – described as elderly – was exclusively photographing minors.

He was reportedly using his mobile phone to take close-up images focused solely on children, behaviour officers deemed highly unusual.

When approached, the suspect attempted to flee but was quickly intercepted in nearby Plaza Nueva.

Officers asked to inspect the man’s phone, where they discovered multiple images of minors.

The suspect was unable to provide a clear explanation for his actions and could not communicate in Spanish.

A German-speaking officer from the specialist ‘agent tutors’ unit – which deals with cases involving minors – was called to assist.

During questioning, the man reportedly stated that he was ‘sick’ and that he takes photographs of children.

The Policoa Nacional was then called to the scene and the man was arrested. He had been staying at a student residence in Sevilla.

He is now in police custody and is expected to appear before a judge, with an investigation underway into what authorities describe as potentially serious offences.

The three local police officers involved have been formally commended by their superiors.

In an internal bulletin issued on Thursday, the force praised their ‘professionalism, rigour and dedication’, highlighting in particular the role of the German-speaking officer in helping clarify the situation.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.