A man has been arrested in Marbella for allegedly setting fire to a wooden beach bar in the prestigious Puerto Banús area. While the fire was quickly extinguished by local firefighters, the damage to the structure, built primarily from wood, is extensive.
The fire was reported around 8.50 am at a beach bar located on the Alberto Vidiella Tudores promenade. Emergency services acted swiftly, deploying a team of ten firefighters and six vehicles, including heavy and light pumps, a tanker, and an aerial ladder. Their quick intervention ensured that the flames were brought under control before they could spread to nearby structures or harm individuals.
Local police also responded promptly, cordoning off the area to facilitate firefighting efforts and ensure public safety. Their presence helped maintain order as curious onlookers gathered near the scene.
Key witnesses lead police to suspect
Simultaneously, police officers conducted interviews with witnesses at the scene to determine the cause of the fire. Their inquiries led to a description of a suspicious individual wearing a blue coat and accompanied by two dogs.
During a patrol near the site, officers spotted a man matching the description. Notably, he had discarded his coat in a nearby bin, claiming it was damaged. This act raised further suspicion, prompting officers to identify and detain him for questioning.
CCTV footage confirms suspect’s presence
Further evidence was provided by the manager of the affected beach bar, who shared CCTV footage with authorities. The recordings showed the suspect inside the establishment shortly before the fire began. Based on this compelling evidence, police arrested the 36-year-old man, a local resident originally from Zamora.
The suspect was taken to the National Police headquarters, where he was formally informed of the charges against him. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the alleged arson. Various social media posts have reported the man´s dogs remain at the spot awaiting the return of their owner.