Tragedy struck the sunny coastal town of Fuengirola in southern Spain on Saturday night as two Scottish men were gunned down outside a busy Irish-themed bar. The double shooting occurred around 11 p.m. outside Monaghans, a well-known pub perched on the beachfront and favoured by British tourists and expatriates.
According to local authorities, a masked man opened fire on the victims as they stood near the entrance of the establishment before fleeing the scene on foot. Emergency services rushed to the location, but both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Javier Salas, the deputy government delegate in Málaga, confirmed on Sunday that the deceased are believed to be Scottish nationals. The Guardia Civil’s violent crime unit is now leading the investigation, with forensic officers seen combing the area for evidence in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The incident occurred while the bar was packed with patrons, many of whom were watching the Champions League final. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as the sound of gunfire erupted across the promenade.
“I thought they were going to kill me too,” a local resident told Málaga Hoy. “At first I thought it was fireworks, but then I saw someone firing a gun.”
Another eyewitness, a Chinese shop owner whose store is located next to the bar, said: “I heard a noise and looked out. I saw a man pointing and shooting.”
Families with children who had been enjoying the seafront nearby were forced to take cover inside surrounding businesses. “We just crouched down and stayed safe,” said a worker at a nearby beach restaurant. “Everyone ran once it was over. It was terrifying.”
So far, the motive for the shooting remains unclear and no arrests have been made. Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to come forward.
A spokesperson for the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it had not yet been contacted for consular assistance but that officials were prepared to support any British nationals affected. Police Scotland has also been approached for comment.
The double killing has sent shockwaves through the British expat community in Fuengirola, a town long known for its vibrant nightlife and relative safety.
