An 88-year-old British tourist has died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a violent robbery in Los Cristianos, Tenerife. The incident took place at the entrance to the Victoria Court II apartment complex last Wednesday evening (17th June), where the elderly holidaymaker and his 79-year-old wife were reportedly targeted by a robber.
According to sources, the suspect violently attacked the British couple in broad daylight in an attempt to steal her handbag. During the assault, the 88-year-old victim was knocked heavily to the ground, landing on his back and hitting his head.
The impact of the fall, combined with the shock and stress of the attack, caused the man to suffer a cardiac arrest at the scene.
Witnesses immediately alerted the emergency services, prompting a rapid response from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC).
Paramedics arrived within minutes and began advanced life-saving treatment. Emergency crews performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for several minutes before successfully restoring the man's heartbeat.
After being stabilised at the scene, he was rushed to the Hospiten Sur hospital in a critical condition, and later transferred to the HUC hospital in Santa Cruz for urgent treatment.
Unfortunately, despite the efforts of medical staff, the victim passed away on Friday from his injuries.
The condition of his wife has not been disclosed, although reports indicate that she was also assaulted during the robbery.
Police have launched a full investigation into the incident and are working to identify and locate the suspect responsible, who fled the scene after the attack.
The death has shocked residents and visitors in Los Cristianos, one of Tenerife's most popular tourist destinations. Following the incident, a number of local residents have voiced concerns on social media, claiming that robberies, thefts and assaults in parts of the resort have become an ongoing problem and calling for a greater police presence in the area.
Several locals have alleged that incidents targeting tourists and residents have increased in recent years, particularly in busy tourist zones, although official crime statistics relating to this specific area have not yet been released in connection with the latest incident.
The tragedy is likely to reignite debate about public safety in Los Cristianos and other major tourist resorts across Tenerife, with residents urging authorities to take stronger action to tackle repeat offenders and improve security.
