VANDALS have struck for the fifth time on the AVE high-speed rail network under construction in the city of Murcia – the latest in a series of incidents thought to be the work of gangs trying to sabotage the plans.
Since mid-September, attacks have been frequent with a group of balaclava-clad arsonists setting fire to industrial plant between the C/ Limonar and the C/ Pintor Saura Pacheco on one occasion, two lorries torched near the Senda de los Garres level crossing on another, plus panels knocked down and smashed on a third and, in a fourth incident, thousands of euros' worth of damage caused which left the rail service grounded for several days across the Region of Murcia.
The latest attack involved an excavator being set fire to in the Santiago el Mayor area of Los Dolores at around 04.35 this morning (Monday).
A detergent bottle filled with what appeared to be petrol was found inside a supermarket carrier bag in a second construction vehicle.
This time, the arsonists left evidence behind that may lead to their being identified, including a blue plastic bottle top on the ground and a disposable glove similar to those dispensed in petrol stations.
Police say the fence around the vehicles, alongside the railway track, was broken.
Forensics and National Police are conducting an exhaustive inquiry into the repeat attacks.
