Spanish police have alleged a double homicide suspect accused of taking pictures two males useless at a bar in Spain fled by “three countries in 15 hours”.
Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan died after a gunman opened hearth exterior Monaghans bar in Fuengirola on the night of 31 Could.
The incident prompted a denial from Police Scotland that it was linked to an ongoing gang feud spanning throughout the west and east coasts of the nation in latest months.
Merseyside Police, with assist from the Nationwide Crime Company (NCA), arrested a 44-year-old man in Liverpool on 13 June on behalf of Spanish authorities.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court docket the next day, forward of extradition proceedings.
On Tuesday, the Spanish Nationwide Police claimed the suspect took a route by “three countries in less than 15 hours” and used disguises to keep away from being detected.
A Spanish police spokesperson stated: “In just seven days, the alleged perpetrator was identified. He fled three countries in less than 15 hours, altering his physical appearance to avoid recognition.”
The drive added that “once in hiding” within the UK, the suspect “changed his address to hinder any investigation” till he was arrested.
Police Scotland had beforehand denied any hyperlink between the shootings within the Costa del Sol and ongoing battle within the Edinburgh and Glasgow areas.
In an replace on Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston stated: “We have been assisting Spanish colleagues with their investigation into the fatal shootings in Fuengirola.
“We aren’t conscious of any present proof which suggests the deaths of those two males in Spain are linked to the latest prison assaults in Scotland being investigated as a part of Operation Portaledge.
“We are aware of the statement from the Spanish police and although we cannot comment on an ongoing investigation in another jurisdiction, our position remains that we have no current evidence to suggest that this incident was orchestrated from Scotland.
“We’re conscious of the arrest of a person within the Merseyside space and can proceed to assist colleagues in Spain the place crucial and if required by them.”
Greater than 40 arrests have been made as a part of Operation Portaledge.
A spokesperson for the NCA stated: “On 13 June, officers from Merseyside Police arrested a 44-year-old man in the Liverpool area on behalf of the Spanish authorities for two counts of murder.
“The operation was supported by officers from the NCA’s nationwide extradition unit.
“The individual appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 14 June for the commencement of extradition proceedings. He was remanded in custody.”
