Holidaymakers enjoying a sunny break in Fuengirola, a popular resort town on Spain’s Costa del Sol, were left shaken and terrified after witnessing a brutal gangland shooting that left two men dead. The incident occurred in broad daylight outside a bustling Irish bar, packed with tourists watching the Champions League final. The victims, identified as Scottish gangsters Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jr., were gunned down in front of stunned locals and holidaymakers, sparking scenes of chaos and panic in what should have been a relaxing evening for many. Witnesses described the moment gunfire rang out, with some initially thinking it was fireworks before the horror of the situation became clear. According to those at the scene, Monaghan was seen crawling in fear across the pub floor before being executed at point-blank range, while others ducked for cover or fled in panic.
The brazen nature of the attack, taking place in a packed public venue during a major sporting event, has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in areas historically known for sun, sea, and relative tranquility. Families, including young children, were said to be in the area at the time, many of whom were left visibly distressed by the violence. One eyewitness described the aftermath as “surreal,” with police cordoning off the scene and frightened tourists trying to comprehend what had just occurred. Despite a swift response from local authorities, no arrests have yet been made, though police quickly set up roadblocks in an attempt to catch the perpetrators.
Monaghan and Lyons Jr. were both known figures in Scotland’s underworld, and their deaths are believed to be linked to long-running feuds within Glasgow’s criminal circles. Crime insiders have warned that the killings could prompt retaliatory violence back home, intensifying what has already been a volatile period among rival gangs. Spanish police are working closely with UK authorities to investigate the motive and identify those responsible. The incident not only highlights the transnational nature of gang violence but also serves as a stark reminder of how criminal disputes can spill into otherwise peaceful tourist destinations. For many of the holidaymakers caught in the middle of the violence, what began as a relaxing getaway has become an unforgettable and unsettling experience, casting a long shadow over the perception of safety in the region.
