article_detail

A 59-year-old British woman has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl on a popular beach along the Costa del Sol. The alleged incident occurred earlier this month at La Cala de Mijas, near Fuengirola, but only came to public attention on Wednesday August 20.

 

The teenager, an Italian national, was sitting on a bench on La Cala Boulevard when the woman approached her and struck up a conversation in English, reportedly to gain the girl’s trust. Witnesses said the suspect then began to grope the girl. Terrified, the youngster fled to a nearby shop where a relative worked and immediately sought help. The relative alerted the local police.

 

Mijas Local Police acted quickly and arrested the British woman in the same vicinity. The detainee has a criminal record, including prior sexual offences. The 14-year-old was taken for a medical check-up before being accompanied by family to the Guardia Civil station to file a complaint. The Guardia Civil are now continuing the investigation.

 

Local councillor Juan Carlos Cuevas condemned the alleged behaviour as “repugnant and intolerable,” emphasising that although the woman has not yet been formally charged, the act “deserves the strongest condemnation.” He also praised the role of local residents and police for their cooperation and prompt action in securing the arrest. “This case shows that when we work together, we manage to halt very serious situations,” Cuevas said.

 

It remains unclear whether the British woman was a holidaymaker or resident in Spain, and her current custody status has not been disclosed.

 

Cuevas praised “the cooperation of the residents and the swift intervention of the Local Police,” adding that these “have been key to arresting the alleged attacker and protecting the minor.”

 

 

Image: Archive