The incident adds to mounting tensions over immigration and security concerns in the EU state

Fierce scuffles broke out among local residents, far-right groups, and North African migrants in the southeastern Spanish town of Torre-Pacheco late on Saturday. The unrest erupted following an attack earlier in the week on an elderly man allegedly carried out by a Moroccan native.

Footage circulating online shows groups of loudly shouting men confronting each other in the town streets, with some throwing stones and bottles. Riot police and Civil Guard units intervened to prevent the violence from escalating further, as seen in several clips.

One video shows two groups of men hurling a chair apparently taken from a nearby cafe at each other. Another clip shows a man sitting in a car and trying to negotiate while being attacked with stones by several young men speaking Arabic.

A local government official told Reuters that at least five people were injured during the clashes and one person was arrested. The authorities have announced that further arrests related to the violence and incitement of hatred are expected in the coming days. Despite the weekend violence, the town was largely calm by Sunday. The authorities also said they are opening an investigation into the incidents, emphasizing that they firmly oppose all forms of racial violence.

The clashes mark another episode of violent unrest in Spain in recent weeks as tensions rise around immigration and security in Spain. Earlier this month, police confronted demonstrators outside an asylum center near Madrid following the rape of a young woman allegedly committed by a man of Malian origin.

Since 2015, the EU has faced a migration influx driven by conflicts in the Middle East, Africa - and recently, the Ukraine crisis. While many countries have tightened border controls due to rising migrant-related crime, Spain has taken a different approach. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who views migration as vital to tackle labor shortages and support the welfare system, promotes better integration of migrants.

Earlier this week, Spain's conservative Vox party vowed to deport around eight million people if it wins the next election. The party's spokesman said the measure would affect both recent arrivals and naturalized citizens who fail to integrate into Spanish society.

(RT.com)