Date Published: 22/04/2024
British family brutally beaten by drug-growing squatters in their Ibiza home
The couple was attacked with bats and metal chains on their return to Spain when they disturbed the squatters
A British couple's vacation to their holiday home in Ibiza took a horrifying turn when they were ambushed by armed squatters running a cannabis farm inside the property.
According to local reports, the assailants attacked the couple with baseball bats, chains and what police believe to be a shotgun, stealing their luggage and demanding a ransom of 2,000 euros for its safe return.
The incident occurred at the couple's home in San José, a stone's throw away from the luxurious mansion owned by Kate Middleton's uncle, Gary Goldsmith, named Maison Bang Bang.
Upon discovering the illegal occupation of the property, heavily-armed police officers obtained a court order to regain control of the villa and evict the intruders. Two male suspects, both Spanish, have since been taken into custody. Footage of the pair being escorted from the scene emerged late last week following their arrest.
It is not known whether the home invaders have been released on bail or remanded in custody.
Sadly, such incidents appear to be escalating across Spain. Last year, a 52-year-old British man suffered severe injuries requiring hospitalisation in the Costa del Sol municipality of Manilva after sustaining repeated blows to the head with glass bottles inflicted by squatters occupying his apartment.
The Briton was initially told there was nothing law enforcement could to do help, but following much media attention, the Local Police eventually stepped in and evicted the squatters.
Back in Ibiza, the couple returned to find their once peaceful retreat transformed into a marijuana cultivation site. Officers confirmed that the squatters had commandeered two rooms within the home, converting them into grow facilities for the illegal drugs.
"Both men have a long criminal record for violent crimes and drug trafficking," a Guardia Civil spokesperson confirmed.
Image: Guardia Civil
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