A woman was stabbed to death in broad daylight in the Barcelona suburb of Esplugues de Llobregat, near the Camp Nou stadium, and a suspect has been arrested, according to the Mossos d'Esquadra. The regional police force said the killing occurred near Sant Joan Deu Hospital around 11am. The violent incident took place in a normally quiet residential neighborhood.
At about 11am, emergency services received a report that a man had injured a woman and fled the scene, the Mossos d'Esquadra stated. The victim was knifed in the throat, chest and stomach, they added. Paramedics rushed to the scene but could not save her life, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. A 50-year-old man who intervened suffered arm wounds and was injured, but his condition is not serious, according to reports.
The suspect, described as wearing jeans and a hoodie and carrying a large black rucksack, was arrested around midday in Barcelona's Les Corts neighbourhood, the police said. A photograph that circulated in Spanish media allegedly shows the man brandishing the knife used in the attack. The Mossos d'Esquadra confirmed that the alleged perpetrator had been located and taken into custody.
Officers have arrested a man as the suspected author of a violent death committed this afternoon in Esplugues de Llobregat in the province of Barcelona. At around 11 am the 112 emergency number received a report that a man had injured a woman and fled the scene. Police and the Emergency Medical Service (SEM) attended the scene, but were unable to save her life. The alleged perpetrator was later located and arrested.
The victim's age and nationality have not been officially released. Unconfirmed local reports described the woman as 'young' and possibly of Asian origin. Authorities have not yet provided any further details about her identity, pending family notification.
Investigators are trying to establish whether the attacker knew the victim, police said. They added that there was no known romantic relationship between the two. According to well-placed sources cited by Spanish media, investigators are focusing on the theory that the stabbing was a random act. The investigation remains open, and no motive has been confirmed at this time.
Esplugues de Llobregat Town Hall expressed deep regret over the killing and condemned the violence. In a statement, the council confirmed the arrest by the Mossos d'Esquadra and said it had been coordinating with local police. The Town Hall decreed two days of official mourning starting at midnight and described the victim as a local woman. The council extended its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and encouraged anyone with information to contact police.