A police officer and two local police colleagues have been injured following a confrontation with illegal street vendors on Torrevieja’s seafront last Thursday night.

The incident took place during a routine operation targeting the sale of counterfeit goods. According to the councillor for Security, Police and Emergencies, Federico Alarcón, the situation became “serious” when one of the vendors allegedly assaulted an officer, insulting and threatening him. The officer suffered a split lip, and another was reportedly struck after his baton was taken from him.

Additional Local Police units and four Guardia Civil patrols attended the scene. Several people were arrested. A video of the incident has since circulated on social media.

Mr Alarcón said the City Council has repeatedly asked the Government Sub-delegation and Delegation for more Guardia Civil officers, arguing that the town lacks sufficient resources. He added that such incidents cannot be tolerated and said officers, residents and business owners are increasingly frustrated.