An Irishman has been arrested for attempted murder after allegedly slashing a man’s neck with a box cutter.
The 58-year-old is accused of attacking the 29-year-old victim, also Irish, on a street near the La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre in Orihuela Costa.
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According to the Guardia Civil, the attack happened on June 15 following an argument.
The suspect is said to have approached the victim from behind while he was urinating in the street.
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The arrest took place following a weeks-long investigation on June 30, but was only reported to the public today.
The victim was rushed to Torrevieja University Hospital where he was saved by emergency surgery.
Since the suspect had no ID, collaboration with the Irish authorities was essential, as they facilitated a fingerprint check.
This confirmed that he had a criminal record for serious crimes in Ireland, including homicides with a firearm and drug trafficking. The suspect is being held ahead of a court date.
The incident came just days after a 21-year-old Irishman was shot in the head, also near to the La Zenia shopping centre – although police are not linking the two cases at this stage.
Two Irishmen, aged 27 and 45, were arrested over the shooting. One was held in jail without bail, while the second was released but had his passport removed.
