Police on the Costa Blanca have arrested a British bodybuilder accused of knocking out and “nearly killing” two US soldiers during an unprovoked attack outside a restaurant.
According to investigators in Spain, the 32-year-old fugitive was being held on a European Arrest Warrant issued by German authorities for the crime of attempted manslaughter.
According to police, the alleged crime took place on June 2 outside a restaurant, when the suspect, who was described as a “martial arts expert,” was with two other people.
The anonymous Briton was arrested at Alicante airport and could now be extradited.
A spokesman for the Spanish National Police in Alicante said: ‘National Police officers have arrested a British man at Alicante Airport on the basis of a European Arrest Warrant.
The arrest warrant was issued by German authorities for attempted manslaughter, which carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
The fugitive was located and arrested in less than 20 days, as the warrant to arrest him went into effect on July 5.
“He was arrested by officers checking passengers at the airport.”
(File photo of Alicante coastline) Police on the Costa Blanca have arrested a British bodybuilder accused of knocking out and ‘nearly killing’ two US soldiers in an unprovoked attack outside a restaurant
The police added: ‘The arrested man, who regularly practiced martial arts and was into bodybuilding, managed to knock out the two soldiers with hardly any effort, given his exceptional physical condition.
He also displayed a high level of violence.
‘As his alleged victims lay on the ground, he remained hostile toward them.
‘He continued to beat them severely as they lay on the ground, on parts of their bodies including their heads, before fleeing with his two companions when he discovered that witnesses had called the police.
The two soldiers were seriously injured and at one point it was believed their lives were in danger.
‘The 32-year-old suspect has been transferred to the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid, which is handling extraditions.’
It was not yet clear today whether the Briton has agreed to be sent back to Germany or whether he has indicated that he will resist attempts to extradite him.
It is unknown where he is currently.
Police were not available today for further information.
The location of the June 2 incident has not yet been disclosed.