Six people were arrested in San Javier and Fuente Álamo yesterday as part of an investigation being undertaken by the Supreme Justice Tribunal of Murcia. Guardia Civil officers searched both Town Halls as well as several private addresses.

Among those detained are San Javier's municipal architect, Miguel Botella, who was present during a three-hour search of his office at the Town Hall.

The town's socialist lady mayoress, who was attending a meeting at regional party headquarters in Murcia while the operation was being carried out, said later that, while she is prepared to cooperate fully with the investgative team, she will be demanding to know exactly what documents have been seized.

José Mariano Sánchez Martini, who is the municipal architect for Fuente Álamo, was also arrested after a search of his offices.

A third architect, Juan Pedro Sánchez Trapero, who is a partner of the two other men at a private practice located in San Pedro del Pinatar, was also arrested as well as the three men's wives.