Armed Robbery Trial in Mijas

Seventeen people are due to stand trial for their alleged involvement with a gang accused of several home invasions in the Mijas area.

The occupants were reportedly tied up, gagged and beaten at gunpoint while their valuable items and cash were stolen.

One of them is believed to be the leader, another two stored and provided weapons and a fifth person drove the perpetrators of the crimes to and from the houses.

As well as home intrusions, they also allegedly committed armed robberies in stores, restaurants and other establishments.

The detainees, nine of them Spanish, are also charged with drug trafficking. In some cases, the sentences they are facing amount to 68 years in prison.