Police are on patrol near the Girona train station area after a man was arrested for spitting attacks, including on a five-month-old.
Credit: PP Photos / Shutterstock
A 42-year-old Nigerian man has been arrested by the Mossos d’Esquadra in Girona after allegedly spitting in the face of a five-month-old baby while she was with her mother.
According to local police, the same individual is now being linked to at least seven similar attacks against young women.
A Pattern of Disturbing Incidents
According to La Gaceta, the first attack reportedly occurred on August 1 in the Fontajau area. Over the weeks, additional incidents unfolded: on August 17 in Carrer Ramences, the man allegedly spat at a young woman early in the morning. By October 1, he had reportedly spat at a mother carrying a child in Ramon Muntaner street, and just days later, he struck a woman in Canalejas, this time spitting at her feet.
On October 15, another woman was targeted in the Vila-roja neighbourhood, followed by incidents on October 20 and October 21 in different parts of Girona. In each case, according to witnesses and police, the man made “hostile gestures” either before or after the act.
Baby Attack Triggers Outcry
The arrest was prompted by the most shocking incident: the man allegedly spat in the face of a five-month-old baby while she was with her mother near Girona’s train station. The baby’s mother later visited a primary care centre for tests as a precaution, though no physical injury was immediately confirmed.
Legal Consequences and Public Reaction
Authorities have charged the man with degrading or humiliating treatment. He is expected to face judicial proceedings soon.
Girona’s mayor, Lluc Salellas, says the city has stepped up police presence in areas around the train station, working in coordination with the Policía Nacional and the Public Prosecutor’s Office to prevent similar assaults.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have reopened several closed complaints, investigating whether there are more victims beyond the reported eight. The Mossos d’Esquadra also indicate that they are exploring whether there were other unreported instances, potentially involving mental-health issues, though no formal diagnosis or conclusion has been confirmed.
Community Concern
Local residents have expressed shock and concern at the randomness and brazenness of the attacks. Many demand stronger public safety measures, while authorities encourage anyone with information or additional reports to come forward.
As the judicial process unfolds, Girona’s authorities face the challenge of restoring a sense of security – particularly for women, parents, and families walking the city’s streets.
