A TAXI driver has been shot dead in northern Spain after a car rammed his cab before the gunman opened fire.
The 31-year-old victim, named only as Alex, was gunned down at around 8.15pm in Azpeitia, near San Sebastian in the Basque Country, on Tuesday.
Spanish media reported that Alex, a popular former DJ, was well-known in the area, with the attack sending shockwaves through the local community.
One local resident told reporters: “We can’t believe something like this can happen in Azpeitia. You always hear about these things and think they happen somewhere else. I’m in shock.”
Witnesses said a dark-coloured Volkswagen Golf deliberately smashed into the back of the victim’s black Mercedes taxi.
The driver then got out and fired several shots at the cabbie.
Up to five shots were reportedly heard, with one bullet striking the victim in the head.
Emergency crews raced to the scene and desperately tried to revive the stricken driver.
Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
He had only recently started working as a taxi driver and had previously performed at venues in San Sebastian and even Ibiza.
The gunman fled the scene in the Volkswagen, sparking a major manhunt by the Basque regional police force, the Ertzaintza.
Police set up roadblocks around Azpeitia and neighbouring areas as they hunted for the suspect.
Officers later found the abandoned vehicle, according to reports, and were able to trace it back to its owner.
Spanish media have reported that the suspect has previous convictions linked to drug trafficking.
Speaking to local outlet El Correo, sources claimed the taxi driver had previously given evidence against the alleged attacker in court and had been threatened.
Police have not confirmed those claims and have not publicly established a motive for the killing.
Investigators remained at the scene late into Tuesday night collecting evidence.
The murder has left the normally quiet Basque town in shock.
Azpeitia mayor Nagore Alkorta urged residents to show ‘prudence and respect’ while the investigation continues and offered condolences to the victim’s family.
The Ertzaintza is continuing to investigate the killing.
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