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The Irish Sun
20-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Inside quiet rural Spanish town that's become flashpoint for anger at pro-immigration policy after OAP's savage beating
SPRIGHTLY Domingo Tomas Martinez was taking his usual dawn stroll when he was battered so brutally that his eye wept blood. The beating, allegedly at the hands of a North African youth as two others looked on, sparked race riots that have rocked Spain. Advertisement 9 Masked men aremed with baseball bats out on the streets of Torre-Pacheco Credit: Getty 9 Domingo Martinez was savagely attacked on his morning walk, allegedly by a North African youth, sparking race riots that have rocked Spain 9 The race riots — the worst in Spain for decades — have left many questioning its socialist government's pro-immigration stance Credit: Reuters 'I didn't say anything to provoke them,' the 68-year-old retired farm worker from the southeastern town of Torre-Pacheco insisted. 'I had my watch and house keys with me, and that young man didn't even take the watch. He just hit me to hurt me. He hit me for fun.' If local gossip is to be believed, the blows rained down on Domingo were for social media likes. It left local hotheads — egged on by the far right — thirsting for revenge. Advertisement READ MORE WORLD NEWS Once sleepy Torre-Pacheco, which lies amid the so-called 'vegetable garden of Europe', descended into three nights of inter-ethnic mob violence. The race riots — the worst in Spain for decades — have left many questioning its socialist government's pro-immigration stance. Policies have included making it easier for undocumented immigrants to become legal citizens. Torre-Pacheco's population has doubled to 40,000 over the last 30 years as workers have come from abroad to toil in the fields. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog Now, about a third of residents are foreign-born, many from Morocco. Professor Juan Antonio Soto, from the University of Navarra, told me: 'Torre-Pacheco isn't a fringe case. It's the frontline of Spain's migration model — and its failure to integrate newcomers.' Shock moment cops DRIVE INTO protester while under siege from yobs as chaos erupts over small boat migrant 'sex assault' Bloodied and scarred Britain, which saw eight police officers injured in While some locals here in Torre-Pacheco tell me the explosion of violence has been brewing for decades, it was Domingo's beating which lit the blue touch paper. Advertisement On July 9, the pensioner left his villa near the centre of Torre-Pacheco at around 5.30am for his daily stroll. Exercising before the stultifying daytime temperatures soared, he walked briskly towards the cemetery on his regular two-and-a-half-mile route. Then, he noticed three North African men, one of whom, armed with a stick, allegedly knocked him down and beat him. The pensioner believes the other two were recording what happened on their phones. Advertisement Images of his bloodied and scarred face were broadcast across Spain, sparking pity and anger. Domingo would later offer a motive for the beating he allegedly received, saying: 'In town, they say the young kids are doing a dare, hitting someone to see who hits harder. 'And I think that's why they did it — to film everything.' Three men have been arrested, including a 19-year-old from Barcelona who was held trying to make his way to France. Advertisement Then, on July 11, Torre-Pacheco's mayor rashly called for a rally in the Town Hall Square under the slogan, 'free from violence, free from crime'. Hundreds of residents, including those from an immigrant background, attended the demonstration, which was initially peaceful. Later, violence flared and locals and extremists from other parts of Spain began goading North Africans with shouts of, 'Moors, sons of bitches' and, 'Go back to your country'. Social media did its foul work. A fake video purportedly showing Domingo's beating did the rounds, while a Telegram group named Deport Them Now called for a migrant 'hunt'. Advertisement Feral-looking youths seemed to take them at their word. For three nights, masked mobs swarmed the streets as darkness fell and the 35C temperatures abated. When the rabble reached the Moroccan district of San Antonio in the town, hooded youths looking just as menacing were waiting for them. Among the arsenal of weapons employed by both mobs were baseball bats, clubs and bottles. Riot cops fired rubber bullets to quell the unrest. Advertisement On July 13, Hassan, the Moroccan owner of Don Kebabs, was forced to flee his takeaway when a 50-strong, balaclava-clad mob yelled at him: 'Shut up shop, moro (an insulting word for North Africans), today you're not going to work.' They then smashed the place up as Hassan and one of his staff fled through a back door. Santiago Abascal — leader of the far right Vox Party — looked to capitalise on the violence. 9 Fatrm labourer Mustafa Kawder and mechanic Mohammed in the San Antonio district dhave blamed racism for the violence Credit: Chris Eades 9 Salah El Hilali, owner of Cafeteria Estambul, says the town is tense and he fears trouble after 8pm — but still trusts the police to protect them Credit: Chris Eades Advertisement 9 A protester taunts police who are trying to restore order in the town Credit: Reuters He released a video saying of migration: 'It has stolen our borders, it has stolen our peace and it has stolen our prosperity.' With his party sitting third in the polls, Abascal blamed the ruling Socialists and the conservative Popular Party for 'all the violence' and demanded 'immediate deportations'. 'Clash of cultures' Vox was the most popular party in Torre-Pacheco in the last town hall elections in 2019, capturing over 38 per cent of the vote. Advertisement The mayhem left Britons with plush villas at the Mar Menor Resort on the outskirts of Torre-Pacheco wary of leaving the secure complex. One retiree there told me: 'There's a Spar supermarket and a poolside bar, so we luckily don't need to leave.' Enjoying the evening sun in San Antonio this week, motorcycle mechanic Mohammed, 30, told me: 'We don't want problems, we're not aggressive people, but we're not frightened of the racists.' He and his farm labourer friend Mustafa Kawder, 24, insisted they weren't involved in the violence. Advertisement The immigrants who come here want to bring their culture and Sharia law with them. Javier Rubio, Protestor Mustafa, a £6.20-an-hour melon picker, added: 'There was a lot of racism here before all this happened. I was born in Morocco, but won't leave because of this. Spain is my home now.' In the centre of the town, I met Javier Rubio, 40, who has travelled down from Alicante to speak out against Muslim immigration because he believes 'there is a clash of cultures'. He says he has not been involved in the violence. Nevertheless, the sausage hanging from his waist — 'because Muslims don't like pork' — reveals the mark of the man. Previously working as a waiter in London for nine years, he said: 'The first week I was in England , I found work. I didn't claim benefits. I paid taxes and didn't commit any crime. Advertisement 'And I didn't ask for running bulls through the streets of England . Go to Spain if you want that. "The immigrants who come here want to bring their culture and At times, security forces were overwhelmed by the violence in Torre-Pacheco in the past week. They only got a grip on the gang warfare by sealing off entrances to the town from outside provocateurs. There have been at least five injuries and 14 arrests. Advertisement Once a sleepy farming village, irrigation in the late 1970s turned its dustbowl fields into a fertile plain of lush olive and lemon groves. Soon, polytunnels were used to protect lettuce and artichoke crops while fields of ripening melons now ring the town. Thousands of labourers were needed to plant and harvest the crops and Spain looked abroad to fill shortages. Now the sprawling town is home to around 6,500 Moroccan-born workers as well as migrant communities hailing from Mali, Senegal , Romania and Ecuador . Professor Soto said: 'Many migrants arrived legally, but there's also been irregular migration, with thousands working in the informal economy or living in precarious housing.' Advertisement Brought up in regional capital Murcia, the professor says some of Torre-Pacheco's schools have over 60 per cent of pupils from migrant backgrounds. Meanwhile, some migrants live in ramshackle properties that lack electricity or sanitation and, according to Professor Soto, have 'little meaningful integration' with Spanish society. In September 2021, a suspected suicide terror attack was unleashed in nearby Roldan. Moroccan-born Abdelllah Gmara stabbed himself then accelerated a VW Golf at over 60mph into the terrace of Honey's Bar, a popular venue with British expats. Advertisement One diner was killed and others were injured. The driver, who reportedly left notes suggesting a jihadist motive, also died. Yet, outwardly at least, most in the town seemed to rub along. Professor Soto added: 'On the surface, things remained calm — but many locals felt ignored, especially as services became overwhelmed.' 'They have no identity' At the same time, many second and third-generation descendants of Moroccan immigrants are struggling for identity in a town where they face racist abuse from some. 'The problem is they have no identity,' said local sociologist Paulino Ros. 'They want to be Spanish and feel Spanish. Advertisement Soon the police and the journalists will leave, and we will be in deep s**t. Paulino Ros, Sociologist 'But the people in the street's common insult is, 'Moorish s**t, go back to your country'.' The 57-year-old dad of two, who produces the Islam In Murcia blog, added: 'They were born in Spain and don't know Morocco, so they are foreigners at home. 'They have this conflict of identity and this is a problem. When you are a teenager, your mind is crazy.' Now, uneasy tension shrouds the town. At the Cafeteria Estambul in the heart of San Antonio, boss Salah El Hilali, 56, told me: 'I get worried after 8pm when the attacks were coming. But we trust the police who are defending us.' Advertisement Above the counter, a picture of the Enjoying a coffee , Moroccan-born Ayyad Houssin, 35, said: 'I'm worried for the future . So many people support Vox now.' Sociologist Paulino is equally downbeat. 'Soon the police and the journalists will leave,' he added. 'And we will be in deep s**t.' 9 Nazi grafiti daubed on a road sign Credit: Chris Eades Advertisement 9 The mayhem has left Britons with plush villas at the Mar Menor Resort on the outskirts of Torre-Pacheco wary of leaving the secure complex Credit: Reuters 9 Britain watched uneasily as Spain erupted — days after clashes outside an Essex migrant hotel left eight police officers injured. Credit: Story Picture Agency
The Irish Sun
20-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Terminally-ill newsagent found to be a drug kingpin behind £52million sale of cocaine — just like TV drama Breaking Bad
A DYING newsagent was found to be a drug kingpin — just like TV drama Breaking Bad. Terminally ill Michael Williamson masterminded the sale of Advertisement 2 The newsagent run by terminally ill drug kingpin Michael Williamson Credit: Matthew Pover His decision to turn to crime has been likened to the hit US series in which chemistry teacher Williamson, 77, led a gang which sold more than half a ton of cocaine over ten years. He was arrested in 2019 when cops raided his home in Salford and newsagents shop in Poynton, Cheshire. They found cocaine worth £137,000, £33,000 in cash and notebooks with 'meticulous records' of names, deals and debts. Advertisement READ MORE UK NEWS Williamson, who had no previous convictions and never married, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply drugs in January at Bolton crown court . His sentence was waived because of his illness and he died earlier this month. Last month, three others admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine. Former rugby league player Payden Candland, 33, got 19 years, nine months, Leo Groves, 33, got 15 years and Ricky Lee, 32, seven years. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog Sentencing them, His Honour Judge Clarke said the absent Williamson was at the 'very heart' of the conspiracy. A source said: 'There are similarities between Williamson and Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston weighs in on 'fun' Malcolm in the Middle crossover fan theory 'On the surface, he was a shopkeeper. In reality, he was trading in a very different powder from the lemon sherbet on his shelves.' 2 Terminally ill Williamson masterminded the sale of cocaine worth up to £52million - in a plot with echoes of Breaking Bad character Walter White Credit: Alamy Advertisement
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Eerie abandoned lot where old funfair rides go to die – iconic 90s characters beloved by millions left to rot
THE INSIDE of an abandoned funfair has been revealed – with iconic '90s characters, once beloved by millions, now left to rot. An urban explorer has shared eerie footage of an abandoned funfair he discovered in South Wales, with around 60 rides left to rot. Advertisement 10 Around 60 rides were left to rot Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality 10 Inside the eerie abandoned funfair Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality 10 Daniel Sims. 36. found the derelict site in South Wales Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality Daniel Sims visited the eerie site and found old rides with seats still intact, which he said reminded him of those from the 90s and early 2000s. It is unclear how long the fair has been abandoned for, but the rides are rumoured to have come from nearby amusement parks. 'The atmosphere was amazing,' said 36-year-old Daniel, from Huddersfield, UK, speaking to What's The Jam. He added: "As soon as we realised everything was left, we were thrilled and excited to see what was left behind. Advertisement read more on UK news "There were easily a good 50-60 kids' rides, and the remains of probably four major rides. "One was still really intact, and there were plenty of arcade machines there, too. "As we entered the site, we were met with a massive octopus waltzer ride still intact with the seats, and many childhood kids' rides that would hold memories for lots of people, especially those who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s. "We saw Barney on a train, a Winnie the Pooh kids ride, and various other ones as soon as we entered. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog "Moving towards the side of the site was a treasure trove of rides, some sort of ghost trains, and various claw and penny machines, which would all be worth quite a bit of money." Daniel, who shared the footage on YouTube, where he goes by the moniker Bearded Reality, also found a partially collapsed ride towards the back of the site, surrounded by arcade machines. Abandoned iconic UK stadium left to rot 110 years after hosting FA Cup final getting new lease of life The YouTuber said: "In the middle of the site were even more machines and rides, Garfield, Banana in Pyjamas, Mickey and Minnie rides, and what seemed like the remains of an old small Ferris wheel, which was cool to see. "The back of the site had a massive caravan that maybe the old owner used to sleep in. Advertisement "We saw American dodgems and truck rides. "We also found a strange ride or accessory, which was patented like a very interesting wheel." Daniel isn't sure how long the site has been abandoned, but said it appears to have been some time, with heavy rust and visible damage to the rides. He said of the adventure: "I love taking photos of dramatic places such as this, and showing how these places were once filled with people enjoying their everyday lives. Advertisement "The place is a bit creepy with it just being left, but the actual exploration itself was very relaxing and chilled, and we spent a few hours exploring." It comes after disgruntled And an abandoned new-build estate 10 Daniel doesn't know how long the site has been abandoned Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality Advertisement 10 An abandoned American dodgem Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality 10 A partially collapsed ride towards the back of the site Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality 10 The rides are rumoured to have come from nearby amusement parks Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality 10 Daniel shared the footage on YouTube Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality Advertisement 10 Some old rides were left still intact Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality 10 It reminded him of those from the 90s and early 2000s Credit: Jam Press/Bearded Reality
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
New footage of doomed Air India flight ‘shows cause of crash' before jet plummeted to the ground killing 271
A BOMBSHELL new video proves what caused the Air India plane to crash and burn just after takeoff, an aviation expert has claimed. Meanwhile, the second black box containing key cockpit voice recordings has been found - expected to reveal the pilots' panic as the plane went down. Advertisement 2 A new much clearer video of the plane's descent and destruction has emerged Credit: X/@Turbinetraveler 2 The plane explodes into a fireball after crashing down into the buildings Credit: X/@Turbinetraveler The "game-changer" new footage clearly shows the plane sinking through the sky more clearly and exploding in a fireball, killing all but one of the 242 passengers. It proves that the Boeing 787 lost power immediately after takeoff, according to commercial airline pilot Steve Schreiber, He says it reveals the Dreamliner suffered a "dual engine failure" before the worst aviation disaster in more than a decade. Initially the analyst, known as Captain Steve, believed a simple error in the cockpit was to blame, possible related to the landing gear which did not retract. Advertisement read more on the crash But after reviewing the HD clip, Steve is convinced that something caused both of the engines to cut out. He pointed out a "protrusion on the belly of the aircraft", underneath which is a "little grey dot". Steve claimed this is evidence of the Ram Access Turbine (RAT) deploying on the plane. He said: "Many aeroplanes have it. It is just behind the wing on the right side of the aeroplane, there is a little door that holds it in. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog "It looks like a little Evinrude motor, it's a little two bladed prop. "The purpose is to provide electrical and hydraulic pressure for the aircraft on an extreme emergency." What caused the Air India plane disaster? Six main theories emerge – from mystery over landing gear to 40C weather Steve explained there are three things which could cause the RAT to deploy on a 787: "A massive electrical failure, a massive hydraulic failure, or a dual engine failure." He also explained that RAT make a "distinctive sound" like a single-propeller plane, which can be heard in the video. Advertisement Steve concluded: "It is evidence for us it was dual engine failure, most likely. It could have been electrical issue, it could have been hydraulic issue, it could have been either one of that. "But I think the fact the aeroplane is mushing out the sky gives the idea it was a dual engine failure." Officials combing the crash site have found the second black box, which will let them reconstruct what happened second-by-second. It holds the data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) - which captured all cockpit audio including pilot conversations, radio transmissions, warning alarms and ambient mechanical sounds. Advertisement More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Full list of 22 countries where vaping is completely banned – are you heading to one this summer?
IF you're an avid vaper and heading off on holiday - it's important to know which countries across the globe have clamped down on the electronic devices. Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Central America and Caribbean are affected by the ban - which may include possession, use, sale, import or advertising. Advertisement 2 Travel experts have advised to check the policy of each airport and country Credit: Getty If you're travelling abroad, always check local customs and health ministry websites before risking the wrath of using vapes. According to travel expert , it's imperative to understand the varying regulations in order to avoid confiscation, fines or legal trouble. Vapes must be kept in hand luggage only 'Airlines do not allow vaping devices in checked luggage due to the fire risk posed by lithium batteries,' explains Ski Vertigo. 'Keep them on you or in your cabin bag at all times.' Advertisement Read more Devices should also be charged, as airport security may ask you to power them on to confirm they're safe. Never use or charge vapes on board 'Many people don't realise that vaping on a plane is treated just like smoking—it's illegal,' says Ski Vertigo. 'Even charging the device using the onboard USB port can land you in trouble.' It's worth knowing that vaping in the toilet can result in serious penalties, arrests or being banned from future flights. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Live Blog Breaking Vapour can trigger detectors, so there's no chance of using is discreetly. Airport rules vary by country 'In places like Manila or Cebu, travellers can find specific smoking lounges, often IQOS or vape-friendly,' Ski Vertigo notes. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked 'But in airports like Changi in Singapore or Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, vaping is strictly forbidden, even inside smoking rooms.' The travel guru advises to check the policy of each airport before you visit to avoid confiscation or fines. Advertisement Some countries have complete bans on vapes 'Travellers need to be very careful,' warns Ski Vertigo. 'Carrying a vape in places like Singapore, Thailand, If you're required to pass through customs or security checks in transit, it can be problematic in countries with vape bans. It's advised to leave your device at home. Countries with Full Bans on Vaping Asia India – Complete ban on production, sale, and import of e-cigarettes. Thailand – Strict ban on import, export, sale, and possession; violators can face fines or jail time. Singapore – Total ban on sale, use, and possession. Nepal – Ban on sale and distribution. Bhutan – Sale and distribution banned. North Korea – No official data, but likely prohibited. Middle East Qatar – Sale and use banned. Oman – Ban on import, sale, and advertising. Kuwait – Sale banned (though enforcement varies). Africa Ethiopia – Ban on sale and advertising. Gambia – Sale and use banned. Mauritius – Sale and import banned. Seychelles – Initially banned, now regulated (so check for updates). Uganda – Sale banned under tobacco control law. South America Brazil – Sale, import, and advertising banned. Argentina – Sale and import banned. Uruguay – Sale and advertising banned. Venezuela – Sale and advertising banned. Central America & Caribbean Mexico – Recently banned sale and marketing of vaping products. Panama – Sale and advertising banned. Suriname – Sale banned. Dominican Republic – Ban on import and sale (enforcement varies). Stay safe with basic travel tips 'Store your batteries properly, keep your device visible in hand luggage, and never use it mid-flight,' Advertisement 'Also, check local laws before you fly—it only takes five minutes and could save you a lot of stress.' Check mobile apps and airline websites to keep on top of up-to-date guidance. For longer trips, it's suggested that nicotine alternatives such as gum or patches are the best way to travel safely and without hassle. 2 Vaping is now banned in 22 countries Credit: Getty Advertisement
