5 identified for fires

cipality of Asturias (Infopa). Barbón indicated that there is also another line of investigation that could affect at least another 10 suspects, although this is still in an early phase. This latest wave of fires represents an “attack against Asturias” the President insisted, in which there is “clearly” an intention. These fires, he continued, “mark a before and after” in government policies, with aspects from which they should “humbly learn” such as improving the defence of towns.

However, the boss of Britain’s leading stag and hen do provider said the only thing the “crusades” had succeeded in is making groups more determined to party in these destinations ­ with Brits seemingly undeterred by threats from the Spanish authorities.

“Our Amsterdam stag do bookings are up 50 per cent since that campaign launched last week, so clearly the message to ‘stay away’ isn’t getting through,” said Matt Mavir, Managing Director of stag and party provider ‘Last

Night of Freedom’.

And in the sunny Spanish party resort of Benalmadena, in Malaga Province, the company reported that bookings have increased by an astonishing 200 per cent since the new rules ­ aimed largely at stags and hens ­ were publicised last June.

“In Magaluf, bookings are up 60 per cent and it seems these rules are having absolutely no impact on people’s desire to party in Spain and the EU.

“That’s why we are seeing unprecedented demand for budget­friendly Spanish resorts like Benidorm, and even though there are tough rules, that’s unlikely to put people off partying there,” he concluded.