The Guardia Civil has arrested five young people, one of them under eighteen, following a violent attempted abduction in the Murcia town of Torre Pacheco. The arrests come after an investigation into two separate attacks on a young local man earlier in the month.

According to investigators, the victim was approached outside his home by a group who dragged him towards a van and tried to force him inside. Family members and neighbours intervened and stopped the abduction. Officers say the attackers were carrying a large machete. Hours later, the same group allegedly confronted the victim again while he was with a relative, but were once more prevented from carrying out the attack.

Several people, including the victim and those who tried to help him, suffered injuries of varying severity. The following night, a car belonging to a family member was damaged, and police believe the same suspects were responsible.

Within a week, officers identified five local youths. Three are accused of directly taking part in the assault and attempted illegal detention, while the others allegedly helped by providing the van. A machete with a forty-six centimetre blade has been seized.