Three men aged between 18 and 22 have been arrested over at least six alleged random assaults in Barcelona, which police say were filmed and circulated on social media.

The attacks took place during the early hours of 5 July. For people who were in the city that night, particularly in Eixample, Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, are asking anyone who was assaulted or recognises themselves in the footage to contact police.

The Eixample Investigation Unit is investigating alleged offences against moral integrity and minor injuries. Some victims sustained minor injuries, according to a Mossos statement reported by El Mundo.

Videos showed indiscriminate street attacks

The investigation began after several videos became viral across social-media platforms. Police said the footage showed a group of young people attacking different people indiscriminately in public streets while recording the incidents on mobile phones.

Investigators have established six assaults so far, while police believe there are further victims who have not yet reported what happened.

Investigators identified several victims and gathered their accounts. Mossos said the suspected attackers were identified through analysis of the recordings, witness statements, public cooperation and assistance from private security staff working in the night-time leisure sector.

One person wanted after police operation

Police mounted an operation on Thursday that resulted in the arrest of three principal suspects. A fourth person attended voluntarily to give a statement to investigators, while another person remains unlocated and is subject to an active police arrest warrant.

Police believe the alleged purpose of the attacks was to record and publicly share the scenes in order to gain attention on social media. The investigation remains open.

  • Police have confirmed at least six alleged assaults during the early hours of 5 July.
  • Three men, aged 18 to 22, have been arrested.
  • Anyone who was assaulted that night or recognises themselves in circulated footage should contact Mossos d'Esquadra to make a report and receive guidance.

Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by Source Text Link, elmundo.es, El Periódico, lavanguardia.com, Por Newsroom Infobae Agregar Infobae en Agrega Infobae a tus medios preferidos en Google, Miriam Saint-Germain, El Confidencial, Ángela Vázquez, barna.news, cronicanegra.com, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, El Periódico Barcelona.