Man shot dead in broad daylight as gang crime in tourist hotspot intensifies

Emergency responders rushed the injured man to Costa del Sol Hospital, however he died from his injuries shortly after.

Police have since confirmed one man has been arrested.

A spokesman for the National Police in Malaga said: "We can confirm a 38-year-old man has been arrested over the fatal shooting of another man in Puerto Banus.

"The investigation is ongoing and we cannot offer any more details at this stage."

The incident occurred just after 1.30pm (local time) on Friday, and it is believed the victim was shot multiple times.

It is thought both the victim and the alleged killer were Swedish, although authorities have said they are unable to confirm this.

Hitmen from the Nordic country have been blamed for growing violence across Europe, including the Costa del Sol.

Gang crime is increasing so much that Marbella has been nicknamed the United Nations of Crime.

CRIME IN SPAIN - READ MORE:

• British tourist forced to watch as migrants flood Spanish resort - before deadly brawl erupts
• Spanish police storm Ryanair flight after 'drunken stag do carnage' breaks out
• British couple stranded in Spain after brazen thieves steal passport and £60k of goods from car

It is believed more than 100 organised crime groups operate along the Costa del Sol.

Last month Spain's Ministry of the Interior release data which confirmed the rise in violence across the province of Malaga.

In the first six months of this year, the region saw 14 violent deaths, 29 attempted homicides and murders and twice as many kidnappings as last year.

In 2024, the Costa del Sol and wider Malaga province welcomed 14.4 million tourists, over 16 per cent of whom were British.

Although, this year the region has seen a decline in holidaymakers after "anti-tourism" protests erupted.