Horror on Benidorm beach as Brit holidaymaker attacks child and tries to drown woman

A British tourist in Benidorm has been arrested after he tried to drown a woman in the sea, and then attacked a 5-year-old child. The 44-year-old tourist, who was staying at a Costa Blanca resort in Benidorm, is currently being held in a hospital and will undergo a psychiatric evaluation following the incident.

Seaside attack shocks beachgoers in Benidorm

According to local reports, on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 2, the rampaging holidaymaker was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide, wounding, and threats, and taken into custody by local police. The incident took place at Poniente Beach, one of Benidorm’s most popular holiday destinations.

Rampaging suspect attacks two beachgoers, including a 5-year-old child; apprehended by several bystanders

According to local outlets, the suspect allegedly tried to drown a Norwegian woman, aged 34, who was swimming in the sea with her boyfriend. The tourist allegedly grabbed her by the neck and forced her head underwater, shouting that he was going to kill her, according to Spanish newspaper ABC Diario.

The woman’s boyfriend was about to help when the Brit suddenly headed to shore and grabbed a five-year-old Spanish boy by the neck, trying to suffocate him by forcing his face into the sand and holding him down. The boy’s mother, along with other beachgoers, rushed to save him, before a lifeguard restrained the Brit. They managed to keep him subdued until police arrived. He was originally apprehended by local police, but turned over to the Spanish National Police afterwards.

Suspect in police custody at a hospital and under constant watch

The suspect allegedly behaved violently and self-destructively following his arrest, trying to commit suicide in his police cell with a blanket. The suspect, according to local outlets, was then handcuffed and placed under a 24/7 watch.

The Brit was admitted to the nearby Villajoyosa Hospital for medical reasons, and is under guard and suicide watch there as officials await his mental health evaluation. The National Police have not yet made any official statements regarding the incident.