Seven people have been arrested following a violent robbery on the A-7 motorway near Elche, where suspects allegedly posed as police officers. The incident happened at around 3.30am on 11 December, when a 45-year-old man was blocked by two vehicles with flashing lights near the Elche-Crevillent exit.

According to the National Police, between six and seven people forced him out of the car. Two men wearing balaclavas stole his iPhone, documents, bank cards and 2,000 euros in cash, while others drove off in the vehicle. The victim, who was not injured, was left stranded on the motorway and walked to the N-340, where road workers helped him reach a police station.

The stolen car, which belonged to a friend, was found the following day in Abarán, Murcia, completely damaged inside. Investigators from the Elche UDEV unit discovered that one of the vehicles used in the robbery had been rented near Alicante-Elche Airport.

Police say the group formed an organised network that hired cars to commit crimes, with clear roles assigned to different members. Four suspects were arrested in Elche, and others in Santa Pola, Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja. They face charges of robbery with violence and impersonating police officers. One suspect also faces an immigration offence.