Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan police, faced a violent escape attempt late on Friday night in Badalona, near Barcelona, when suspects linked to truck cargo thefts rammed an unmarked police vehicle.

Authorities confirm one individual now remains in custody while three others continue at large.

Violent clash at petrol station

Events took place shortly after 11.30pm at the Esclat petrol station on Avenida de Conflent. Officers spotted a stolen BMW M235 that they suspected formed part of operations targeting lorry loads in the area.

🇪🇸 | Tres agentes de paisano a bordo de un vehículo camuflado intentaron detener a cinco miembros de una banda de origen magrebí acusados de haber atracado a mano armada una gasolinera en Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/vBlspKrRM7

— ʜᴇʀQʟᴇs (@herqles_es) May 23, 2026

Four occupants were sat inside the vehicle upon police approach. Three individuals immediately fled on foot. The driver responded by accelerating hard and deliberately ramming the police car to break free.

Catalan police returned fire with regulation weapons during the chaotic moment to stop the threat. Despite the exchange, the driver managed to speed away from the scene in the stolen car.

Operation leads to arrest

Coordinated efforts between the Mossos d’Esquadra and Badalona local police resulted in the recovery of the abandoned BMW hours later. Officers detained one suspect during this follow-up action, although details about whether this person drove the vehicle remain unclear at present.

No gunshot injuries have been reported so far according to official sources. Police stress that checks continue to establish full facts around the confrontation.

Heightened alerts for night patrols

Mossos d’Esquadra issued an internal warning to officers following this incident urging extra vigilance during night shifts due to increased activity from these organised groups known locally as “teloneros”.

Investigations stay active across multiple units as detectives work to identify and apprehend the remaining three fugitives who escaped initial contact on foot.

This episode adds to concerns over vehicle thefts and cargo crimes affecting the Barcelona metropolitan region. Police resources focus on disrupting such networks that operate in industrial

A growing backlash has erupted in Puerto de la Duquesa after claims that bars and restaurants could face strict limits on live music performances during the summer months. 

An online petition titled “Save Summer Entertainment in Manilva” has begun attracting support from residents, tourists, musicians and hospitality businesses concerned about proposed entertainment restrictions in the marina area.

The petition claims venues may be limited to just 12 live music events between June 1 and September 30, subject to licence approval. At the time of writing, Manilva Town Hall has not publicly confirmed a blanket rule applying to all venues.

The campaign warns the measures could have a “devastating impact” on local businesses, jobs, entertainers, tourism and “the atmosphere that makes Duquesa special.”

According to the petition organisers, Puerto de la Duquesa’s live music scene is a key part of the marina’s identity during the busy summer months.

The petition states: “Visitors come to Duquesa because of its vibrant, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Live music is part of what keeps the port alive during the summer months.”

Residents divide over nightlife noise in Duquesa

The issue has created debate across local social media groups over recent days, with opinions sharply divided between residents calling for stronger noise controls and others defending the marina’s nightlife atmosphere.

One widely shared community post questioned whether the current administration was reintroducing restrictions similar to those imposed during previous years in office.

The post stated: “Tourists, locals and the artists giving their time to make these things special [are] all affected.”

Others supported tighter regulation, pointing to long-running complaints linked to amplified music, shouting and late-night disturbance in apartments surrounding the marina.

Manilva reviewing licences and opening hours ahead of summer

Manilva Town Hall recently confirmed that opening hours, licences and security measures in Puerto de la Duquesa are currently under review ahead of the 2026 summer season.

Local Police patrols have also been increased during evening and overnight hours following meetings between authorities, businesses and residents concerning activity levels in the port area.

Supporters of live music insist they are not opposed to reasonable noise controls but want a compromise that balances residents’ quality of life with the needs of tourism and hospitality businesses.

At present there is still uncertainty over exactly what restrictions may be introduced this summer. You can see the details of the “Save Summer Entertainment in Manilva” on the change website. 

Emergency teams rushed to a residential block in Estepona after reports of a serious fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday, May 24.

Rapid response follows multiple distress calls

Operators at the 112 emergency line received several alerts shortly after 2am about flames visible from inside a property. Crews from the fire service, local police, and national police arrived rapidly at the scene on Avenida San Lorenzo.

Personnel focused efforts on the fourth floor of the Raimundo Building, where the blaze originated. Firefighters brought the fire under control before moving on to ventilate the premises and check surrounding flats for any lingering smoke or gases.

One flat left completely destroyed by intense heat

Authorities confirmed that the original flat suffered total destruction from the fire. Residents who left their homes during the incident later returned safely once operations concluded.

Multiple casualties reported during nighttime operation

Rescuers helped evacuate one individual from a fifth-floor property as a precaution while tackling the main fire. Overall four people experienced effects from the event.

Medical staff examined everyone involved at the location. A 64-year-old woman received transport to the primary care centre in Estepona for further assessment. Two men aged 38 and 40 plus a 72-year-old woman gained treatment directly in the area.

Separately, another woman received assistance after suffering what appeared to be an anxiety attack connected to the disturbance.

Quick action limits damage in busy coastal area

This incident created considerable work for emergency services throughout the small hours in Estepona. Efficient coordination between different agencies helped contain the situation and allowed checks on nearby properties. No further casualties were found other than those initially reported.

Local officials continue to examine the cause of the fire as standard procedure. Residents in the affected block expressed relief that the response prevented wider consequences in the multi-storey building.

Such events remind everyone of the importance of working smoke alarms and clear escape routes in apartment complexes across Andalucia. The fire brigade encourages regular safety checks to reduce risks in similar residential settings.