Spanish National Police have arrested a 31-year-old man accused of playing a key role in a brutal attack on a home in Orihuela. Investigators say the incident happened in July, when six masked men forced their way into a house while posing as police officers.

The victims were allegedly tied up and gagged before being beaten and shot. One man was taken to Vega Baja Hospital for emergency surgery, while the other was admitted to the intensive care unit at Elche General Hospital with critical injuries.

Police traced the suspect to Formentera del Segura and arrested him as he was about to leave in his car. A court-authorised search of his home uncovered a large cache of items, including imitation firearms, knives, swords, masks, fake police equipment, drugs and around 17 kilograms of nitrous oxide.

Investigators believe the man acted as a local organiser for an international criminal gang that carries out violent robberies against other criminal groups, often linked to drug trafficking. The suspect has been brought before the investigating courts in Orihuela.