Two British nationals ‘with known links to organised crime’ have been arrested over the attempted murder of a man who was shot four times in the back outside his home in Murcia.
The suspects, a man and a woman, were detained following a lengthy Guardia Civil investigation into the attack, which took place in Santiago de la Ribera, San Javier, in November 2024.
The victim was arriving home with his partner at around 8pm when a gunman wearing a black balaclava approached and opened fire.
The attacker allegedly used a pistol fitted with a silencer and fired multiple shots into the victim’s back before fleeing on foot and escaping in a waiting vehicle.
The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and spent several months in intensive care.
Although he survived, authorities say he has been left with permanent physical injuries.
The investigation, codenamed Operation Esbroya 24, uncovered a trail of evidence that ultimately led detectives to the two British suspects.
At the scene, officers recovered four shell casings and cartridges.
Just one hour after the shooting, investigators located a burning stolen vehicle on a secondary road between San Javier and Los Narejos that matched witness descriptions of the getaway car.
The following day, detectives discovered a second vehicle in Mazarron.
Inside the high-end car, officers found the alleged murder weapon, complete with a silencer, along with ammunition, a balaclava and gloves.
Forensic analysis carried out by the Guardia Civil’s Criminalistics Service confirmed the firearm had been used in the shooting.
DNA recovered from the clothing and other items found in the vehicle allegedly linked the two British suspects to the attack.
Investigators say they have also received assistance from UK authorities, who confirmed that both suspects have previous links to organised crime and violent drug-trafficking offences.
The arrests were made at Alicante-Elche Airport.
The male suspect was detained in April as he attempted to board a flight to Edinburgh, while the female suspect was arrested in May upon arriving in Spain. News of both their arrests only emerged today.
According to the Guardia Civil, both individuals are believed to be members of a British organised crime group that travelled to the Murcia coast specifically to target the victim.
They have been accused of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.
The investigation remains ongoing and authorities have not ruled out further arrests.
