A small town in southeastern Spain experienced serious violence over the weekend as clashes broke out between residents and migrants. The incident happened in Torre Pacheco, near the Murcia region. Five people were injured, and one person was arrested. Officials say far-right groups used social media to spread hate messages that encouraged the violence.
The trouble began after a 68-year-old man said he was attacked by three young men believed to be from North Africa. A video of the attack was shared online, which led to anger and fear in the town. Police are still investigating the attack, and no arrests have been made for that specific case. However, the beating led to several nights of growing unrest.
On Saturday night, people holding sticks walked through the streets, reportedly searching for migrants. Some were seen wearing clothing with far-right symbols, while others carried Moroccan flags. Local media reported that both sides threw objects, and trash bins were set on fire. The mayor of the town, Pedro Ángel Roca, said police were able to stop a direct fight between the two groups. He also explained that many of those involved in the violence had come from outside the town.
An official in the region, Mariola Guevara, said the government became aware of social media posts calling for a “hunt for migrants.” This call to violence began earlier than expected, causing more problems for police who were trying to stop it. Extra officers were sent into the town to help prevent more damage or injuries.
The Guardia Civil in Murcia, led by Francisco Pulido, confirmed that officers were working to stop the crowds and avoid more clashes. They are also checking to see if any hate crimes were committed. The police are watching online messages carefully to stop future threats.
Local news also reported that Moroccan families living in Torre Pacheco had received threats for several days before the clashes. On Sunday, political leaders spoke out to call for peace. Fernando Lopez Miras, head of the regional government, said on social media that the town must return to normal. He added that while people may feel upset, violence is never the answer.
Torre Pacheco has a population of around 40,000, and about 30 percent are migrants. This is nearly twice the national average in Spain. Most migrants in the area work on nearby farms. The sudden wave of violence has created fear and uncertainty among both local people and migrant families.
Spanish authorities are now focused on restoring peace and making sure all residents feel safe. The government has promised to continue its investigation and bring those responsible for the unrest to justice.