Stabbing incident at Can Batlló Park
A man was seriously injured in a stabbing incident at Can Batlló Park in La Bordeta on Friday, 2 October 2026, at around 18:15 local time. According to police sources, the attack occurred after a fight broke out between two homeless individuals who knew each other, near the park's entrance at Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. The victim, who sustained multiple stab wounds including one to the side of the ribs and another on the left leg, managed to walk through the park leaving a trail of blood before entering a gym on Carrer Parcerisa. There, he collapsed and lost consciousness. Gym staff immediately provided first aid, attempting to control the bleeding while waiting for emergency services.
"Suddenly the door opened and a person came in asking for help because he had been stabbed. At first we didn't believe it, but then we saw the blood and realised how bad it was,"
Sergio, a worker at the gym, described the scene as shocking and unprecedented for staff. "We had to jump over the counter to help him. We tried to keep him awake, but he passed out. We’ve never lived through anything like this, we’re completely shaken."
Victim taken to Hospital Clínic
Emergency Medical Services (SEM) arrived promptly and transported the man to Hospital Clínic in Barcelona. Police confirmed he is in serious but stable condition, with his life not in immediate danger. The attacker fled the scene and remains at large. The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force, have opened an investigation to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect. Initial reports indicate both individuals were living in an informal homeless encampment behind the Cantina building within the park, near rehabilitated industrial units.
Community concerns over safety and encampments
Carmen Encuentra, a local resident and member of the La Bordeta Neighbourhood Commission, said several police units responded to the scene and that she urged officers to take action regarding the ongoing homeless settlement in the park. She reported being told by police that the encampment would be cleared, but expressed scepticism. "They told me they would leave now, but in two days they’ll be back," she said. "I hope this time it’s different, because this can’t go on." Encuentra stressed that the attack happened in broad daylight while the park was filled with children playing, elderly people walking, and dog owners, highlighting growing concerns about public safety in the area. Local residents are calling for a permanent solution to the presence of unauthorised encampments in the park, urging municipal authorities to coordinate social services and law enforcement responses to prevent further incidents.
Reported by elcaso.elnacional.cat, beteve.cat, el3.cat, elnacional.cat, clinicbarcelona.org.
