Irishman stabbed in Orihuela Costa
The29-year-old was attacked in La Zenia a month after another Irish national was shot in the head
Orihuela Costa’s escalating crime wave took a shocking turn in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 15, when a 29-year-old Irish man was stabbed on a residential street in La Zenia, marking the second violent attack involving Irish nationals in the area within a month.
The knife attack occurred around 1.30am on Calle Jalón, a quiet residential road running parallel to Las Estacas Rambla. The location, close to the intersection with Salvador Dalí Avenue that connects to the popular Zenia Boulevard shopping centre, left blood smeared on the footpath that was still visible hours later.
Local Police officers arrived first on the scene, providing emergency first aid to the victim before paramedics transported him to Torrevieja Hospital, where he remains under medical care. Despite having an extensive criminal record himself, the wounded man initially refused to identify his attacker, telling officers he knew the perpetrator but wouldn't reveal their identity.
The Guardia Civil's Judicial Police unit has now launched a full investigation into the incident.
This latest attack follows another serious violent incident just a stone’s throw away on May 13, when a 21-year-old Irish national was critically wounded in a shooting that shocked the local community.
Two suspects, both also Irish nationals aged 27 and 45, were arrested just a couple of days later.
The alleged shooter has been remanded in custody without bail, while his suspected accomplice was released under strict conditions, including a ban on leaving Spain. Investigators later recovered the weapon, ammunition and the victim's mobile phone from a nearby field where the suspects had discarded them.
The surge in violent crime has left Orihuela Costa residents increasingly concerned about their safety. Local community groups are once again calling for enhanced police presence and increased surveillance in the area, particularly around La Zenia and Cabo Roig.
An attempted kidnapping that occurred between the two attacks has further heightened anxiety among residents, who report feeling less secure in what has traditionally been considered a peaceful expatriate community.
While the Guardia Civil maintains that the stabbing and shooting are separate incidents with no apparent connection, the concentration of serious crimes involving Irish nationals in such a short timeframe has raised questions about potential organised criminal activity in the coastal resort area.
The investigation into both attacks remains active.
In other news: Suspect arrested in Liverpool over Spain bar shooting
Image: Kent Wang via Wikimedia Commons
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