Horror as Brit ‘tries to drown stranger on Benidorm seashore and suffocate boy in sand’
The 44-year-old man allegedly attempted to drown a 34-year-old woman, grabbing her by the throat and pushing her head beneath the surface before attacking a five-year-old boy
The incident happened on Poniente Beach(Image: marekfromrzeszow via Getty Images)
A British holidaymaker has been arrested after allegedly attempting to drown a stranger in the sea at a Benidorm beach before launching an assault on a youngster. The 44-year-old, who had been staying at a hotel in the Costa Blanca resort, is said to be receiving treatment in hospital awaiting a psychiatric assessment following the shocking incident.
He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing bodily harm and making threats before being taken into custody. The unidentified man allegedly lost control at Poniente Beach, Benidorm’s most expansive stretch of sand situated south-west of the historic quarter.
He reportedly attempted to drown a 34-year-old Norwegian woman who was enjoying a swim with her boyfriend, seizing her by the throat and pushing her head beneath the surface before her partner managed to rescue her after grappling with the Brit.
He then allegedly made his way onto the sand and seized a five year old Spanish lad by the throat as the child enjoyed a day out with his parents, reportedly trying to suffocate him by pressing his face into the sand and pinning him down.
The boy’s mother rushed to help alongside fellow beachgoers, while a lifeguard subdued and restrained the Brit until officers arrived on the scene.
Local reports suggest he displayed violent behaviour following his arrest and attempted to take his own life in his police cell using a blanket, prompting authorities to place him in handcuffs under round-the-clock supervision.
He has since been admitted to Villajoyosa Hospital for medical treatment and remains under police guard while awaiting a mental health assessment.
Although local police employed by Benidorm Town Hall Following the arrest, he was transferred to another police force – the National Police – before being taken to hospital.
Neither force has yet issued any official statement regarding the incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon.
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