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Date Published: 23/06/2026

British man, 88, dies after violent mugging outside Tenerife apartment block

The pensioner was attacked alongside his wife outside in Los Cristianos and died in hospital two days after the incident

An 88-year-old British man has died after being violently mugged outside an apartment block in Los Cristianos, Tenerife, in an attack that has shocked both residents and visitors to one of the island's most popular resorts.

The incident took place on the evening of Wednesday June 17 at the entrance to the Victoria Court II apartment complex, where the man, known to friends as Ray, was targeted along with his 79-year-old wife. According to reports, a suspect violently attacked the couple in an attempt to steal her handbag. During the struggle, Ray was knocked heavily to the ground, falling backwards and striking his head.

The impact caused him to suffer a cardiac arrest at the scene. Emergency services responded quickly, and paramedics performed CPR for several minutes before successfully restoring his heartbeat. He was stabilised at the scene before being rushed to Hospiten Sur hospital in a critical condition and later transferred to the HUC hospital in Santa Cruz for further treatment. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he passed away on Saturday June 20.

Friends have paid tribute to him online. One wrote: "I met that man two weeks ago. He was celebrating his birthday with his wife Judy and having a great time. Such a lovely man. Can't believe this happened. Rest in peace." Flowers have been left outside the apartment block where the attack took place.

Friend Ray Hugill, from Middlesbrough, wrote: "Regrettably this friend of mine passed away from his injuries in hospital yesterday. This should now be treated by the police as a murder inquiry."

A spokesperson for the Policía Nacional in Tenerife confirmed the death, stating: "We can confirm the death in hospital of an 88-year-old British man following a mugging last Wednesday. The investigation is ongoing. No arrests have yet been made."

A man described as a Senegalese immigrant has reportedly been identified as the suspect, though no arrest has been made. The condition of Ray's wife has not been officially disclosed, though reports indicate she was also assaulted during the attack.

The incident has prompted renewed calls from local residents and regular visitors for a stronger police presence in the area, with some claiming that robberies targeting tourists have become an increasing problem in parts of the resort.

You might also be interested in: British man dies after violent fight outside Las Verónicas nightclubs in Tenerife

Image: Atlantic Ambience/Pexels

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