UK

Man arrested over shooting murder of two Scots outside Spanish bar

14 June 2025
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A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of two Scots outside an Irish pub in southern Spain.

Eddie Lyons Jr and Ross Monaghan died after a gunman opened fire outside Monaghans Bar in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol earlier this month.

On Friday, officers from Merseyside Police arrested a 44-year-old man on behalf of Spanish authorities on two counts of murder.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday for extradition proceedings and will remain in custody.

A spokesperson for the National Crime Agency said a 44-year-old man was arrested on Friday “in the Liverpool area on behalf of the Spanish authorities for two counts of murder”.

Outside Monaghans Bar in Fuengirola, Costa del Sol, Spain

Outside Monaghans Bar in Fuengirola, Costa del Sol, Spain (EPA)

“The operation was supported by officers from the NCA’s National Extradition Unit,” the spokesperson said.

“The individual appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, June 14, for the commencement of extradition proceedings. He was remanded in custody.”

The attack took place around 11pm when a car pulled up outside the bar and a masked man got out before opening fire as the two men stood outside.

The gunman fled in the car, and both men died at the scene.

The National Crime Agency said a man had been arrested on two counts of murder

The National Crime Agency said a man had been arrested on two counts of murder (PA)

At the time, Police Scotland said the attack did not appear to be linked with a series of criminal acts by rival groups in Scotland, and that any speculation was “not helpful” to the investigation.

The statement read: “The investigation into the fatal shootings in Fuengirola is being carried out by Spanish police.

“Police Scotland is supporting Spanish police where requested, however, at this time, we have no officers deployed within Spain.

“There is currently no intelligence to suggest the deaths of these two men in Spain are linked to the recent criminal attacks in Scotland being investigated as part of Operation Portaledge.

“Any misinformation or speculation linking the events in Spain is not helpful to the ongoing investigations in either country.

“There is also nothing to suggest that the shooting in Fuengirola was planned from within Scotland.”

Operation Portaledge is investigating a suspected gang feud linked with a number of shootings, firebombings and assaults in the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas since March.

More than 40 people have been arrested in connection with the incidents.