A devastating backpack explosion kills police officer in northern Spain after security forces responded to an early morning domestic shooting in the city of Oviedo.
The blast occurred on Tuesday morning outside an apartment block on Rafael Urrusti Street, located in the Villafría district of the Asturian regional capital.
Emergency teams initially arrived around 7:30 a.m. following reports of a violent neighbour dispute. They discovered a young woman suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately transported her to a nearby hospital.
Suspicious Package Detonates Outside Building
While clearing the entrance of the residential property, responding officers spotted an abandoned backpack equipped with a flashing light.
Specialists from the National Police canine unit and the TEDAX bomb disposal team arrived shortly after to neutralise the threat.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., the concealed device detonated as officers attempted to move the package into an open courtyard to protect nearby tenants.
The explosion instantly killed officer Juan José from the Special Canine Guides Unit. Deny, a three-year-old German shepherd serving alongside him, was also killed in the blast.
A bomb disposal expert from the TEDAX unit sustained catastrophic injuries and remains hospitalised in critical condition.
Widespread Manhunt Across Northern Spain
Spanish authorities initiated a massive regional containment operation, sealing major road corridors and transit exits across Oviedo.
Investigators identified the wanted gunman as Manuel Ferrero Álvarez, a man with a prior criminal record who is considered armed and dangerous.
Police unions and security services distributed suspect images across social media, urging local residents to stay alert and avoid approaching the individual.
Special tactical units continue to search surrounding forests and transport hubs as forensic teams examine chemical residue collected from the blast site.
National Leaders React to Oviedo Tragedy
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez issued a statement expressing profound sorrow over the fatal incident.
"There are no words to ease the pain of his family and colleagues," Sánchez stated. "Your dedication and courage deserve the gratitude of an entire country."
Senior officials from the Ministry of the Interior confirmed that terrorism is currently discounted as a motive, characterising the event as an escalated domestic crime involving an improvised booby trap.
Investigators are working to determine how the explosive materials were acquired and whether additional devices were prepared prior to the suspect's escape.
