Masked men arrested for knife-point attempted rape in Spain turn out to be victim’s estranged husband and brother-in-law

A WOMAN who was beaten by two hooded men who tried to rape her was rescued by police who unmasked her attackers to find they were her husband and brother-in-law. 

The extraordinary circumstances happened in Mula in Murcia, Spain at 7.30 am this morning. 

The victim, who has not been named, was opening  a bar she runs when two masked men burst in brandishing knives. She thought they were robbers, but after threatening her they did not ask for money but instead started beating her and, according to police, tried to rape her. 

A Local Police patrol heard the woman’s screams and came to her rescue, thinking there was a robbery taking place. But on arresting the two assailants they found one was the woman’s estranged husband and the other the partner of her sister. 

Police are investigating, but first indications are that the husband of the woman instigated the assault as he is against getting a divorce. 

The two detained men have been charged with the crimes of gender-based violence (in the case of the victim’s husband), threats, injury and attempted sexual assault. The Local Police proceeded to hand them over to the Guardia Civil. They are due to appear before a court in Mula.