Spanish police have alleged a double murder suspect accused of shooting two men dead at a bar in Spain fled through “three countries in 15 hours”.
Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan died after a gunman opened fire outside Monaghans bar in Fuengirola on the evening of 31 May.
The incident prompted a denial from Police Scotland that it was linked to an ongoing gang feud spanning across the west and east coasts of the nation in recent months.
Merseyside Police, with support from the National Crime Agency (NCA), arrested a 44-year-old man in Liverpool on 13 June on behalf of Spanish authorities.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court the following day, ahead of extradition proceedings.
On Tuesday, the Spanish National Police claimed the suspect took a route through “three countries in less than 15 hours” and used disguises to avoid being detected.
A Spanish police spokesperson said: “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.”
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The force added that “once in hiding” in the UK, the suspect “changed his address to hinder any investigation” until he was arrested.
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Police Scotland had previously denied any link between the shootings in the Costa del Sol and ongoing conflict in the Edinburgh and Glasgow regions.
In an update on Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “We have been assisting Spanish colleagues with their investigation into the fatal shootings in Fuengirola.
“We are not aware of any current evidence which suggests the deaths of these two men in Spain are linked to the recent criminal attacks in Scotland being investigated as 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 are aware of the arrest of an individual in the Merseyside area and will continue to support colleagues in Spain where necessary and if required by them.”
More than 40 arrests have been made as part of Operation Portaledge.
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A spokesperson for the NCA said: “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 national extradition unit.
“The individual appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 14 June for the commencement of extradition proceedings. He was remanded in custody.”
