A Northern Irish man accused of murdering a fellow countryman in Rojales has been arrested again in Alicante, this time on suspicion of illegal possession of firearms.

Jonathan Alan S., aged 28, was already on provisional release after posting 100,000 euros bail in connection with the fatal shooting of John George Hardy. He was detained alongside his 20-year-old British wife, Madison V., after National Police officers seized two pistols and a sawn-off shotgun.

Police said officers from the drugs squad had been investigating the couple over suspected drug trafficking. During the operation near their home in the Moralet area of Alicante, Jonathan allegedly drew a pistol and pointed it at officers before being arrested. A search of the property uncovered ammunition, a bulletproof vest and other weapons.

Both suspects appeared before a court in Alicante after three nights in custody and were released on provisional bail. Forensic officers are now examining the seized firearms to establish whether any were used in previous crimes, including the Rojales murder, in which the weapon has not been recovered.