A 29-year-old Irishman has been stabbed in Costa Orihuela in yet another violent episode in the expat haven.
The victim, said to have an extensive criminal rap sheet, is recovering in hospital after being stabbed in the early hours of Sunday in La Zenia, near Torrevieja.
The attack unfolded at around 1.30am on Calle Jalon, a shadowy street running parallel to the Las Estacas Rambla, just a stone’s throw from the bustling La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre.
It is very near to where another Irishman was shot in the head some weeks ago, in what police suspected was a settling of scores between rival gangs. There is no suggestion yet that the two cases are linked.
The latest victim was found by local police bleeding heavily, having been stabbed in the street.
Officers administered first aid at the scene before paramedics rushed him to Torrevieja Hospital, where he remains under medical care.
Despite being acquainted with his attacker, the victim reportedly refused to name them.
The Guardia Civil’s Judicial Police have opened an investigation, and the area around the attack remained cordoned off into Sunday morning, with blood stains still visible on the ground.
This is the second serious incident involving Irish nationals in La Zenia in recent days, prompting unease among locals and authorities alike.
In May, a 21-year-old Irishman was shot and seriously wounded nearby. That attack led to the arrest of two fellow Irishmen, aged 27 and 45.
One, accused of pulling the trigger, is now behind bars without bail; the other was released with conditions, including a travel ban, as an alleged accomplice.
