Taxi drivers in Orihuela Costa say a shortage of licensed cabs is encouraging unauthorised passenger services at busy locations including Zenia Boulevard, La Zenia and Cabo Roig. The problem is particularly serious at night, when tourists and people leaving entertainment venues face long waits. On Monday, a private driver was intercepted at Zenia Boulevard after allegedly approaching people in the taxi queue and offering rides. Police found that he did not have authorisation to provide the service. Orihuela Town Hall […]

A traffic offence on a road in Guardamar del Segura has led to a police investigation and the arrest of two people. Officers became suspicious after noticing several bundles inside the vehicle during the stop. Police searched the car and found several items of clothing with anti-theft devices still attached. They also discovered bags allegedly designed to interfere with shop security systems. The clothing and bags have been seized and placed at the disposal of the courts. The arrests followed […]

The Spanish National Police, working with the Customs Surveillance Service, have dismantled a people-smuggling network operating along the coast of the Region of Murcia. The investigation began after a speedboat carrying migrants reached the coast of Águilas. Authorities say the network brought migrants from Algeria into the region illegally using boats fitted with high-powered engines. Officers arrested several alleged members of the group after a maritime pursuit. The suspects reportedly abandoned their passengers in open water after realising they had […]

Health services in the Valencian Community have treated 20 people for minor problems linked to the solar eclipse. Twelve of them were taken to hospitals or health centres, according to the regional health department. The incidents included three minor eye problems, 11 injuries or bruises, five fainting episodes and one anxiety attack. The department said it still needed information from primary and hospital care services before it could complete the final figures. The regional government has praised emergency services, police, […]

A man has died after falling from an electric scooter in Torrevieja. The crash happened at about 8.30pm on 8 August, at the junction of San José Street and Rambla Juan Mateo in the Calvario district. Police sources confirmed details of the incident on Wednesday. The victim was a Colombian national born in 1985. Police believe he was under the influence of alcohol, travelling in the wrong direction and not wearing a helmet. Witnesses said he lost his balance while […]

A bather has died at Gran Playa in Santa Pola, Alicante, after lifeguards and medical staff tried to revive him for almost 50 minutes. The incident happened at around 4.54pm on Tuesday, when the beach rescue service removed the man from the water in cardiac arrest and alerted the Generalitat’s Emergency Information and Coordination Centre, known as CICU. Lifeguards began cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately, continuing for about ten minutes before advanced medical help arrived. A SAMU ambulance team then continued the […]

Orihuela Council has added three new trucks to its municipal waste collection and street-cleaning fleet. The vehicles were presented on Wednesday by Mayor Pepe Vegara and councillor Rocío Ortuño in Plaza del Carmen, next to the town hall. The fleet now includes two Renault Master L2 3500 tipper trucks with rear platforms and a Renault Master L3 3500 fitted with a HIAB grab crane. All three have 150 horsepower diesel engines, Euro VI emissions standards, ABS, stability control, emergency braking […]

The Guardia Civil is investigating a couple registered in Los Alcázares who appear to be part of the leadership of an alleged criminal network. The investigation concerns suspected fraud, identity theft, money laundering and membership of a criminal organisation. The case was developed by the Valladolid Organic Judicial Police Unit’s Equipo Arroba team. Investigators say the network used the personal details of third parties to open accounts on betting platforms and generate profits. The money was then allegedly diverted to […]

The Guardia Civil has dismantled an alleged criminal group linked to the armed robbery of a shop in Cartagena in May. Three men, aged 40, 53 and 73, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery with violence causing injuries, vehicle theft, illegal possession of a firearm, drug offences and membership of a criminal group. Two men allegedly entered the shop carrying a gun and a machete. Investigators say they assaulted and tied up the owner, leaving him injured, before taking […]