This is the moment a Policia Nacional helicopter was filmed scouring neighbourhoods across Malaga on Tuesday night.
Residents reported seeing and hearing the aircraft in Malaga city, Torremolinos, Fuengirola and even Marbella.
In Malaga, it was seen hovering above La Palmilla, Virreina, Parque del Sur, Ciudad Jardin and the area surrounding the Vialia shopping centre and railway station.
In La Palmilla, witnesses said the helicopter made several passes over the neighbourhood, particularly around the 26 de Febrero football ground.
Others described seeing its spotlight sweeping across apartment blocks and houses.
‘It looked like something from a film. The lights illuminated my terrace,’ one resident said.
Another witness said the aircraft flew slowly over Virreina while shining its spotlight towards nearby homes.
Residents reported that the helicopter remained above parts of the city for a prolonged period, while police officers were also seen on the ground around Parque del Sur.
The Policia Nacional has not yet confirmed whether the flight formed part of a specific operation or whether officers were searching for a particular suspect.
However, the activity coincides with a special security deployment introduced after a series of shootings in and around Malaga.
The Government activated the Plan Costa del Sol in the provincial capital last week, increasing the number of officers and checks on vehicles and individuals.
The operation covers entertainment districts, commercial areas and residential neighbourhoods. Specialist units, police dogs and aerial resources are also available as part of the deployment.
Five unions representing the Policia Nacional issued a joint appeal on Monday for more officers and a permanent response to organised crime.
