Two notorious Scottish gangsters have been assassinated in a shocking incident that unfolded in a crowded pub on Spain's Costa del Sol, sending ripples of fear through the community and tourists alike. The shooting occurred around 11:30 p.m. in an Irish bar in Fuengirola—owned by one of the victims—where patrons were gathered to watch the Champions League final. A masked gunman burst in, firing indiscriminately at Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr, both prominent figures in Scotland’s underworld. Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment when the shots rang out, initially mistaking the sound for fireworks before realising the gravity of the situation.

Images from the scene have surfaced, depicting a disturbing tableau: a lifeless body lying on the terrace, surrounded by shocked holidaymakers. One local, recounting the chaos, recalled hearing the gunfire and seeing people flee in panic, stating, “I thought they were going to kill me too.” Despite immediate emergency response efforts, one of the victims died instantly, while attempts to revive the other were futile. Spanish authorities, deploying a specialist violent crime unit, have yet to make any arrests but have set up roadblocks in the area to capture the gunman.

The brutal slayings appear to be connected to an ongoing gangland feud that has erupted in Scotland's Central Belt. Since March, escalating violence between rival factions has included firebombings and assaults, further compounding the instability. Police Scotland has acknowledged the violent nature of the conflict but remains tight-lipped about any collaboration with Spanish law enforcement regarding potential Scottish connections to the shooting in Fuengirola.

Monaghan has a storied criminal history, linked to the murder of notorious enforcer Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll in Glasgow back in 2010. He was previously accused but acquitted of the crime, yet faced continuous threats, surviving a shooting incident in 2017. His associate, Lyons, was also intertwined with key criminal events, including being shot shortly before Carroll's death. The violent history of these individuals highlights the ongoing issues surrounding organised crime within not only Scotland but extending into Spain, where figures from Scottish gangs reportedly collaborate with local criminals.

The Costa del Sol, often known for its picturesque beaches and tourist allure, has become increasingly marred by violence tied to criminal dealings. Just weeks prior to the shooting, two British men were also killed in suspected gang-related incidents in the vicinity, illustrating a troubling pattern of crime that has alarmed residents and authorities alike. A dedicated police unit for organised crime has been established in response to this surge, boasting a notable track record of solving cases, but the recent rise in violent incidents calls for ongoing vigilance.

In tandem with these events, a distinct message has been articulated by factions involved: a proclamation of continued violence and a refusal to cease hostilities. Reports indicate that threats from groups like Tamo Junto, aligned with Monaghan and Lyons, have intensified, as they explicitly declared their intent to persist with aggression. The situation paints a grim picture of the underbelly of British organised crime, now spilling onto foreign shores, challenging both local policing efforts and international cooperation against such pervasive threats.

As investigations unfold, both British and Spanish authorities remain on high alert, underscoring the urgent need for collaborative strategies in combating this rising tide of violence. The tragic incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching impacts of gang-related crime and the need for robust responses to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors in the region.

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Source: Noah Wire Services