Two men were seriously injured in a violent attack at a home in Orihuela after six masked individuals posed as police officers and forced their way inside. The victims were tied up, gagged and subjected to sustained violence, including beatings, torture and gunshots, during what police have described as an illegal detention.

National Police have arrested a thirty-one-year-old man in connection with the attack. He is accused of attempted murder, unlawful entry, assault, illegal possession of weapons and membership of a criminal organisation. Investigators believe he acted as a key link for a foreign gang specialising in so-called “vuelcos”, robberies targeting other criminal groups using fake police operations.

The assault took place in July, when officers found the victims with life-threatening injuries. One man required emergency surgery at Hospital Vega Baja, while the other was taken to Elche General Hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care.

A search of the suspect’s home uncovered imitation firearms, knives, katanas, a machete, masks, restraints and police-style equipment. Officers also seized seventeen kilogrammes of nitrous oxide, believed to have been used to incapacitate victims, along with small quantities of drugs. The suspect has been brought before the courts in Orihuela.