Fugitive sought by UK arrested in Lleida after viral stabbing

Spanish police, with Interpol's collaboration, have arrested in Lleida a fugitive described as "very violent" and wanted by UK authorities on an international arrest warrant. The man, who had numerous prior convictions in Spain, is accused of causing serious injuries to a patient at a high-security hospital in the UK before escaping and returning to Spain Source: La Vanguardia.

The arrest

The detention was carried out by agents of the Provincial Police Station of Lleida with the support of OCN-Interpol Spain, after verifying the suspect's identity through a detailed cross-check of data Source: El Mundo. He was wanted by the Crown Court of Snaresbrook (UK) Source: El Español. After his arrest, he was placed at the disposal of the Central Court of Instruction of the Audiencia Nacional, which ordered his imprisonment the same day pending extradition Source: La Vanguardia.

Violent episodes

In Spain, the fugitive had a criminal record including attempted homicide, robbery with violence, and assault Source: El Mundo. In June, he was involved in a brawl in Lleida's historic center, where he stabbed a man in the neck; the attack was filmed and went viral on social media Source: El Español.

Context

This arrest is part of broader efforts against international fugitives in Catalonia. So far this year, the Fugitives Group of the Superior Police Headquarters of Catalonia has executed 50 European Arrest Warrants Source: El Mundo. The police highlighted that the identification and arrest were possible thanks to the comparison of coincident data Source: El Español.