A retired police officer has been arrested on suspicion of starting ten fires in the Cerro Gordo area between Nerja and La Herradura.
The retired officer, aged 60 years, was first arrested on Monday March 26th on suspicion of starting ten fires since October 2011. An hour after appearing before a judge and being released on bail pending trial, he allegedly went straight out and started a new fire in the area.
He is apparently a very skilful arsonist and pyromaniac, using his years of experience in the force to leave little or no trace at the scene. Using flame retardant materials to ensure that the fire started after he had left the scene.
The evidence against the former Guardia Civil officer is mostly circumstantial. He was always the first on the scene of all the fires and witnesses also place him at the scene before each of the fires.