Youth Suffers Fractured Jaw in Encamp Festa Clash with Security Guard

A 21-year-old local resident suffered a fractured jaw and other injuries after an altercation involving a security guard during the final hours of Encamp's Festa del Poble. The incident occurred around 5am on Sunday near the Prat Gran, as musical performances wound down.

Police from the GSMO preventive unit, deployed for the event, responded to reports of a fight involving several people at 4.50am. They separated the participants and were alerted by a security guard to a young man leaving the area with blood in his mouth. Officers confirmed his injuries and called for medical assistance. An ambulance transported him to hospital, where he was admitted pending surgery. He underwent maxillofacial surgery on Monday afternoon and is now recovering, though he faces ongoing discomfort, particularly when eating.

The youth, who police sources say was heavily intoxicated and had shown challenging behaviour earlier, was involved in a brawl. Witnesses described security intervening, with one guard allegedly delivering a punch to his face, knocking him down. Further accounts claim the guard then pinned him to the ground, causing his face to hit the surface—leading to the jaw fracture, lost and broken teeth, lip wounds, significant bleeding, and possible rib injuries still under medical review. Some reports suggest the guard dragged him several metres, prompting bystanders to intervene and warn of excessive force.

The victim's family filed a complaint Sunday afternoon, alleging the guard—employed by a local security firm with prior incidents of overreach—grabbed him from behind, threw him down, and continued despite him being incapacitated. They highlighted a physical disparity in age and build, criticising the guard's role as one to de-escalate rather than escalate. The family expressed frustration over a perceived 40-minute delay in medical response, which they say required their insistence, and police handling, potentially worsening his condition.

The security firm maintains the response was proportionate, attributing the main injury to actions by another individual amid the chaos. Police have not located the guard, who reportedly left the scene. No arrests have been made.

The incident coincided with separate assaults, including one on General Councillor Pere Marsenyach, amid multiple disturbances that night. Witnesses noted insufficient security during peak dispersal. The prosecutor's office is directing the police investigation into all cases, with statements collected and further reinforcements planned for ongoing festivities. Authorities emphasise caution to ensure a thorough probe.