Couple arrested in Spain over gangland murder bid

A couple with links to Edinburgh have been arrested in connection with a gangland shooting in Spain.

The man and woman are alleged to have shot the victim four times in the back on his doorstep, in the San Javier district of Santiago de la Ribera, in November 2024.

He was taken to hospital where he received months of intensive care and has been left with life-changing injuries.

The Civil Guard, one of Spain's two national police agencies, suspect the couple are connected to a criminal gang known for acts of violence related to organised crime and drug trafficking.

Eyewitnesses said the suspect fled the scene on foot after the shooting before getting into a nearby vehicle.

An hour later, a car, believed to be the getaway vehicle, was found torched on a road between San Javier and Los Narejos.

The Civil Guard said the stolen car, which had false license plates, matched the vehicle described by witnesses.

Detectives carried out another search of a high-end British vehicle - with false plates - the following day in the Mazarrón region.

A weapon with a silencer - later identified as the firearm used in the murder bid - was found inside as well as ammunition, a balaclava and gloves.

The Civil Guard said two people were identified through DNA samples taken from the seized clothing.

Investigators also collected detonated cartridges from the scene of the attack.

The investigation, known as Operation Esbroya 24, saw Spanish authorities and UK law enforcement work together for more than a year.

In April, the male suspect was arrested as he was about to board a flight to Edinburgh at the Alicante-Elche Migual Hernández international airport.

Two weeks later, in May, the woman was arrested Alicante airport as she entered the country.

The couple are accused of travelling to Murcia in south east Spain to find and kill the man at his home.

Officers said investigations into the shooting were ongoing.