Violence broke out in the wake of an attack on an elderly man earlier this week
Molly Seaman and John Varga
18:59, 13 Jul 2025
Violent clashes erupted in Torre-Pacheco (Image: X)
Violent ‘riots’ broke out in a town in south-eastern Spain involving groups of far-right activists late on Saturday, July 12.
The disorder was amongst the most serious such incidents in the country in recent decades and follows a reported assault on an elderly man earlier this week.
The pensioner was attacked whilst walking along a street in the town of Torre-Pacheco by unknown people, reports the Express.
He sustained several injuries and is said to be recuperating from his frightening experience at home.
The motives behind the attack remain unclear and police have yet to make any arrests in relation to the incident.
Five people were injured and one was detained during the disturbances in the town on Saturday, according to local authorities.
The town was calmer on Sunday, but government sources indicated further arrests were anticipated.
Footage shared on social media revealed men wearing clothing displaying far-right symbols and migrants carrying Moroccan flags throwing objects at one another.
Another video shows a man being tackled to the ground and assaulted by someone in a white T-shirt.
The eruption of violence came after several days of mounting tensions and minor disorder.
Mariola Guevara – the central government’s representative in the region – told Spanish public television the attack was under investigation.
She condemned “hate speech” and “incitement to violence,” as far-right groups descended upon the town.
The official also pledged that additional Guardia Civil officers would be dispatched to the town to quell the violence.
Local government data reveals that nearly one third of Torre-Pacheco’s population originates from abroad.
Numerous migrants also work as day labourers in agriculture in areas surrounding the town, which is situated in the Murcia region.
Murcia’s government recently had to retract a proposal to purchase housing to accommodate unaccompanied migrant minors, following protests from the far-right Vox party.