In early December, nine young people, including seven minors, were detained in the town of Mollerussa, in the province of Lleida. All are suspected of taking part in two large-scale fights that broke out in November at and near the local train station. The remaining detainees are aged 18 and 20. The arrests took place in Mollerussa and in the nearby towns of Tàrrega and Cervera.
The incidents that prompted the investigation occurred on the evenings of November 11 and 12. On those days, two brawls involving groups of young people erupted on the platform and around the Mollerussa station. Following these events, police began looking into the causes of the conflicts and identifying all those involved. Patrols in the station area were increased to prevent further confrontations.
Investigation
During the initial phase of the investigation, police identified 28 people who may have been connected to the events. After determining the roles of those involved, nine individuals believed to have played the most active roles in the fights were detained during the second phase. According to investigators, some of the suspects used an aluminum baseball bat and a knife. The latter was later found in the yard of a nearby house.
Police believe the conflict began as a personal dispute between two minors—one from Mollerussa and the other from Tàrrega. Other young people gradually joined the dispute, which eventually escalated into a mass brawl.
Next steps
All nine detainees were released the same day after giving statements at the police station. They are required to appear before the Court of Lleida, which is handling the case, as well as before the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation into the mass brawls is ongoing.
As part of the same investigation, two more men, aged 18 and 21, were arrested on November 11 and 15. They are accused of stealing a bag and a backpack during the chaos caused by the fights. The day after their arrest, they were brought before the court handling the case on duty.
