Third suspect arrested over alleged Halloween looting plot

Police have arrested a third young suspect over an alleged online plot to encourage looting and disorder in the Valencia area on Halloween weekend.

The latest arrest was made in Alfafar on Friday and follows two earlier detentions in the same investigation, which police say centres on messaging groups linked to the so-called Blocus network.

CNS reported on the second arrest on Friday morning, when officers said a teenager was being questioned over suspected links to the same chat groups. The newest detention lifts the total number of suspects held this week to three.

Investigators allege coordination through chat groups

According to information released through Spanish media reports and police sources, the 18-year-old detained in Alfafar is suspected of taking part in groups on two instant messaging platforms that were used to call for shops in Valencia to be targeted on Saturday, 31 October.

Police sources say he is being investigated for alleged conspiracy to commit public disorder offences, conspiracy to commit offences against property and membership of a criminal group. He is expected to be brought before a judge shortly.

The same reports say the chat groups were linked to the online Blocus campaign, which investigators believe was being used to spread calls for looting and acts of pillage. Police also say the inquiry is continuing to identify everyone involved.

Earlier arrest of alleged group founder

The new detention came a day after another young suspect was arrested in Valencia over the same inquiry. That earlier arrest was linked to the person police say created the channels used to organise the messages, which have since been closed down.

Authorities have not said the case is over, and investigators remain focused on the wider network and any further people who may have helped spread the calls online.