In the early hours of Sunday in central Alcalá de Henares, a suburb of Madrid, a shocking incident occurred: two off-duty officers of the National Police were brutally attacked. A group of six people assaulted them as they were heading home after dinner with colleagues.
The attackers approached from behind and struck first, followed by a barrage of insults and a beating. According to preliminary information, the assailants recognized the men as law enforcement officers and took advantage of the moment when they were without uniforms or weapons. One of the victims suffered serious facial injuries: three teeth were knocked out, an eye was injured, and his jaw may be broken. The second officer suffered a broken collarbone. Both were rushed to the hospital, where they received the necessary medical care.
The police officers were returning home together with colleagues from the rapid response unit, which is responsible for maintaining order and combating crime in the city. On their way, they were noticed by residents of one of the neighborhoods of Alcalá de Henares, after which the attack occurred. Two other officers, who were walking ahead, were unable to intervene in time, but immediately provided first aid to the victims and accompanied them to the hospital.
Police have already detained one of the suspected assailants. An active investigation is underway to identify all those involved in the crime. Law enforcement officials emphasize that such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent and are calling for tougher measures to protect police officers, as well as for their profession to be officially recognized as particularly dangerous.
This incident occurred just hours after another serious event: in Sevilla, during an anti-narcotics operation, another police officer was seriously injured. Concerns are mounting within the professional community about staff safety and rising levels of aggression in society.
Unions point out that respect for law enforcement officers has noticeably declined, and insist on the urgent need for changes in legislation. Further discussions on strengthening police protection and recognizing their work as high-risk are expected soon.
