Arrests Follow Assault on Homeless Woman
The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, have arrested two men in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 45-year-old homeless woman in Barcelona. The incident is said to have occurred around 3:00 AM on Saturday 17th October near the Ronda del Litoral in the Sant Martí district. According to reporting by beteve.cat and El Caso, the attack took place in the plaza of Tirant lo Blanc on Salvador Espriu Street, where the woman was sleeping in a tent. Two men, reportedly of sub-Saharan origin, are accused of assaulting her while she slept. One is said to have restrained her arms while the other committed the assault. The victim did not report the incident immediately due to fear, but later approached officers with two companions present at the site. She recounted the attack to officers from the Citizen Security Unit (USC) of the Sant Martí police station.
Quick Arrests After the Incident
The suspects, who are believed to have been staying in an informal settlement at Plaça dels Voluntaris Olímpics, about ten minutes from the scene, returned to the area later that morning. When they saw the woman speaking with police, they fled. However, police were able to apprehend the first suspect later that day, Saturday, around midday, near Plaça de Salvador Espriu. The second arrest followed shortly after, both occurring within hours of the assault.
The investigation has now been transferred to the Sant Martí Investigation Unit (UI) to clarify the circumstances and build the case.
The arrests were confirmed by beteve.cat and El Caso, citing sources within the investigation. The Mossos d'Esquadra have not issued a formal public statement, but the case aligns with their ongoing Action Plan Against Sexual Violence in Public Spaces.
Primary sources: mossos.gencat.cat. Reported by beteve.cat, elcaso.elnacional.cat, El Caso (El Nacional), betevé.
