A 21-year-old college student was attacked on a Sunday night in Elche, assaulted by three youths who fled with his mobile phone and wallet, along with several personal documents. The suspect description given by the victim indicated the assailants were aged between 16 and 18, of Arab descent, and the incident occurred just minutes after the theft. Local authorities moved quickly, and two of the alleged attackers, aged 14 and 17, were detained by the Elche Local Police following the incident.
Authorities from the National Police are conducting the ongoing investigation. The university reported the incident early Monday, with sources close to the case confirming that two minors were apprehended while police continued their inquiries. Books, a backpack, and other belongings linked to the victim were not mentioned in detail, but the case has raised concerns about youth crime near campus areas in Elche.
The night’s events unfolded after 10 o’clock on a street within the Valencian Community city. The student was walking alone when one offender approached from behind, wrapped an arm around him, and guided him toward a building corner where two more youths waited. A surrounding group of three then closed in, creating a threatening scene that left the student fearful yet determined to resist.
Despite his efforts, the victim was overwhelmed. He managed to reclaim his phone briefly during a struggle, but one assailant regained control and took the device along with the victim’s wallet. After securing the loot, the three attackers fled the scene, and the student lay briefly exhausted and dazed in the street.
A passerby, witnessing the aftermath, contacted emergency services, and a Local Police patrol arrived promptly. Officers began gathering descriptions and patrol data while the victim received assistance at the scene. The incident prompted further action from authorities, who intensified efforts to locate the perpetrators, now believed to be three male youths involved in the assault and theft.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family notified local police that the stolen credit card had already been used at a nearby grocery store within minutes of the robbery. The observed rapid use of the card, about seven minutes after the incident, led investigators to suspect a tight sequence of events tied to the assault and theft. The police redirected resources to locate the suspects and offered reassurance to the community that rapid leads were being pursued.
Medical attention was sought for the student, who sustained facial injuries during the violent confrontation. Hospital staff treated him for contusions and distress resulting from the assault. The university community watches closely as authorities continue to piece together the timeline and identify the individuals involved.