A police officer has died and another was seriously injured in Oviedo, northern Spain, after an explosive device detonated. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when officers from Spain's canine and explosives disposal units were examining a suspicious backpack at the scene of a shooting.
Police spokesman Pedro Aguado stated that officers had initially responded to reports of a dispute between neighbours and found a woman with gunshot wounds. While searching for the suspected attacker, a backpack with a flashing light was discovered. The explosion happened as the package was being moved outside.
The deceased officer has been identified as Juan José, a member of the canine unit. A three-year-old police dog named Deny also died in the blast. The injured officer, from the bomb disposal unit, was taken to hospital for treatment, as was the woman who had been shot.
Spanish police paid tribute to the fallen officer on X, expressing condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo also offered their sympathies and praised the officers' dedication.
A widespread police operation is ongoing in the area as officers continue to search for the suspect, who fled the scene and remains at large.