Spanish authorities have launched an investigation after a disturbing video emerged showing two teenagers allegedly setting a homeless man's hair on fire.
A Disturbing Assault in a Seville Park
The incident, which has provoked national anger in Spain, occurred in a park in the town of Benacazón, within the Seville province. La Guardia Civil is investigating two minors captured on video tormenting a vulnerable homeless man.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media, shows one of the youths using a lighter to repeatedly ignite parts of the man's hair. The attack lasted for more than three minutes, only ceasing when the victim pleaded to be left alone. Prior to the assault, the pair are said to have mocked the man's hairstyle.
Mocking Authority and a Plea for Help
Adding a further layer of cruelty to the attack, the youth filming the video is heard imitating a police officer. He gives orders to the other teenager, claiming they are instructions from his 'cop bosses'.
The victim is clearly heard saying in Spanish, 'honestly, it hurts'. In response, one of the assailants callously tells him to 'shut up or I’ll have you arrested'. The video's widespread circulation online brought the case to national attention, prompting the police investigation.
Potential Hate Crime Charges and a Tragic Context
The case is currently being handled by officers from the Sanlúcar la Mayor police station. However, local reports indicate it may be transferred to another department if it is processed as a hate crime, with the aggravating circumstance of physical assault. Authorities are working to formally identify all those involved.
This shocking incident highlights the acute vulnerability of rough sleepers, especially as winter conditions set in. In a separate but tragically related case, a coroner's inquest heard that Sajmir Beca, 30, died after sleeping in a bin that was collected by a waste truck in Northampton town centre in the early hours of Friday, October 31. Neighbours were awoken by screams before emergency services arrived around 3am. Mr Beca later succumbed to his injuries at University Hospital Coventry on November 6.
