La Policía Nacional arrested two men for mugging a man on the streets of Motril as he was using an ATM.

The two suspects, aged 33 and 34, allegedly approached the victim with one of them brandishing a large knife of the kind used for cutting ham; i.e., with a 20cm blade and wickedly sharp.

However, they fled when they saw police officers approaching.

This incident took place around 09.00h yesterday morning on Calle Posta. The victim had used an ATM to deposit cash using the machine when the two men, both Motrileños and wearing hoods, approached him from behind.

The victim’s wife, who was waiting in their car, saw what was happening and phoned the police. Fortunately, two foot patrols were nearby and managed to intercept the suspects as they fled the scene, splitting up as they ran off.

The first mugger was caught just 150 metres from Calle Postas and the other nearby on Calle Nueva. However, the thief carrying the knife threatened the officers with it. His accomplice also offered resistance to arrest.

Once back in the police station, the muggers claimed that the victim was an acquaintance who owed them 200 euros; exactly the amount that the victim was trying to deposit via the ATM.

This could mean that it was what the Spanish call, un ajuste de cuentas (settling of scores) rather than a simple mugging.

(News: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)