Normality begins to return to Torre Pacheco after a week of unrest
Local businesses report disruption but welcome signs of calm following police action and arrests
After a turbulent week marked by violence, tension and xenophobic unrest, Torre Pacheco is beginning to return to normality. The town, home to 40,000 people, including a sizable immigrant community, saw a series of nightly disturbances following the assault of an elderly resident last Wednesday July 9.
The attacker, a 19-year-old of Moroccan origin, has been jailed, but the incident sparked a wave of coordinated anti-migrant actions.
Over the past few days, a strong police presence, along with several arrests and sanctions, has helped defuse tensions. Authorities carried out more than 300 identifications and issued around 60 fines and sanctions in connection with the disturbances.
Several individuals linked to far-right groups have also been detained or expelled from the area.
Local traders and restaurateurs, who were among those indirectly affected by the crisis, are now reporting a gradual return to business as usual.
Some shops and cafés had closed early earlier in the week to avoid becoming caught up in unauthorised gatherings, particularly around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento square.
“There was a lot of uncertainty. We didn’t want to risk anything,” said one shop owner, who admitted the past week had taken a toll on local commerce.
Though the streets are calm and the most visible agitators have been dispersed, residents acknowledge that Torre Pacheco’s reputation has suffered.
Restoring the town’s image and rebuilding trust among communities will take time, but for now, the sense of fear is beginning to ease.
The early hours of this Thursday July 17 passed without incident, an encouraging sign after a week that left many shaken and searching for answers.
Image: Policía Local de Torre Pacheco
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