Three British tourists have been arrested after an alleged late-night vandalism rampage in which car tyres were slashed, bottles hurled, and construction gear wrecked in Malaga. The chaos erupted around 3am on Sunday in the city’s La Trinidad district.
Residents describe the mayhem
Locals were woken by a rowdy group whose noise quickly turned into a spree of destruction, according to residents and local reports. Two of the men were allegedly seen carrying knives and using them to slash the tyres of parked cars. The trio were also accused of throwing beer and glass bottles into the streets and interfering with equipment at nearby Malaga Metro works.
Dramatic images circulating online appear to show one of the men lifting a large red construction barrier above his head, repeatedly smashing it and dumping it in the middle of the road.
Residents speak out
One resident told Spanish newspaper Malaga Hoy the mayhem continued for between one and two hours before police finally arrived. She claimed the neighbourhood has repeatedly suffered trouble linked to tourists and alleged that some properties are being used as unlicensed holiday lets.
The woman said: “We’re always dealing with something,” adding that residents now “live in fear”.
Reigniting tourism anger
The incident has reignited anger over antisocial behaviour tied to tourism in central Malaga. Carlos Carrera, president of the Centro Antiguo residents’ association, said such episodes were “not uncommon”. He added that people living in the historic centre have become accustomed to late-night fights, excessive noise and damage to residential buildings.
The alleged tyre-slashing and bottle-throwing has left locals furious and demanding stronger action against disruptive visitors. Police are understood to be investigating the claims against the three British men.
The episode comes amid ongoing complaints about the impact of short-term tourist rentals and rowdy behaviour in residential streets of the popular Costa del Sol city. Residents say they are tired of being woken in the early hours by groups who treat the neighbourhood like a free-for-all.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether arrests have been made or what charges, if any, the three men face. Locals, however, have made their feelings clear: enough is enough.
