Authorities search for a man caught placing incendiary materials under vehicles in Aixovall amid a series of

Police in Sant Julià de Lòria continue searching for a man seen acting suspiciously under parked vehicles in Aixovall on Thursday morning, as concerns mount over deliberate vehicle fires in the parish.

Witnesses notified authorities at 7:10am after spotting the individual in an industrial area near the Centre de Formació Professional d’Aixovall. Reports indicate he placed old shoes containing barbecue lighter tablets under at least one car, suggesting an attempt to start a fire. Officers arrived promptly, secured the site, gathered evidence, and set up controls at the nearby roundabout, checking vehicles entering the zone. Employees and restaurant workers in the area described heavy police presence from around 7am, though the suspect remains at large.

Police have opened an investigation into at least one person potentially linked to recent vehicle arsons but emphasise it is too early to confirm connections. Sources say any premature details could hinder identifying a modus operandi or suspects.

The incident follows the destruction of three cars in Aixirivall on Sunday afternoon near a playground and Borda de les Pubilles. Residents reported seeing flames erupt from the undercarriages, with sounds like rapid ignition and possible accelerants involved. One affected vehicle belonged to a local merchant. Witnesses dismissed spontaneous combustion, noting diesel does not ignite easily. An earlier fire on 4 October in the same area has been associated with a person known for conflicts.

No arrests have been made in any case, and all inquiries remain active. Patrols have intensified in Aixirivall and Aixovall since the weekend, with national citizen security units now routinely monitoring the parish.

The events have heightened anxiety among residents, workers, and officials, disrupting the area's usual calm. Police urge caution against speculation as probes proceed.