A MAN who fired a flare from a boat during Estepona’s Virgen del Carmen procession and set fire to a building has been identified.
The 22-year-old man launched the firework from the sea while the legendary procession was taking place on the beach on July 16.
The red flame flew past the beach, and smashed through the window of an office building, starting a fire.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, but around 30 residents had to leave their homes overnight because of the smoke and gases. Nobody was injured, but the damage is estimated to reach €100,000.
Police were able to identify the suspect after officers located the boat and spoke to witnesses. The suspect had also suffered burns to his hands, allegedly caused while handling the flare, and required medical treatment.
He is now under investigation for a serious arson offence and could be ordered to compensate residents, the office owner and even cover the emergency response costs.
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