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A British man has been taken to hospital in Valencia after being stabbed with a screwdriver by a passerby for refusing to give him a cigarette. The incident occurred in the Plaza de Ayuntamiento in the city centre just before 4am on Saturday, October 25. The victim, identified by police as Scottish, suffered a punctured lung during the assault.

 

According to reports, a 45-year-old man with a suspected criminal record was arrested at the scene. The suspect was still present when police arrived and was quickly detained. Police officers responded after hearing a woman’s cries for help; she was nearby at the time and is said to be from Uruguay. The woman told officers that the man was attacked as a consequence of refusing the suspect’s request for a cigarette.

 

The victim, described as a young man, has been admitted to Doctor Peset University Hospital. His current condition is not known. A Basic Life Support ambulance was also called to assist at the scene. The suspected attacker has been described as displaying “altered mental faculties,” according to local reports.

 

This incident follows a series of recent clashes involving tourists in Valencia and across Spain. Earlier this month, locals were seen shouting “go home” at Dutch cyclists during a riding event, with videos capturing the chaos on Calle Danzas in Valencia’s historic district. There was pushing and shoving, and bikes were knocked to the ground amid the fracas, with the tourists reportedly shouting “f*** you” as they left.

 

The tensions appear to be linked to ongoing protests against the increasing number of tourists and the impact on local communities. Similar episodes have seen water pistols brandished in demonstrations that have occurred in various cities including San Sebastian, Granada, Barcelona, and Palma.

 

The situation underscores rising concerns about safety and the increasing friction between tourists and residents in Spain’s popular destinations.

 

 

Image: Svyatoslav/Pixabay