Two shot in brawl on Costa del Sol

An Irishman suspected of shooting and seriously wounding two British men after a bar-room brawl yesterday in a resort near Malaga was being hunted by Spanish police last night.

Ian Field, 33, from Nottingham and David Dunford, 49, from Sheffield, were both in a serious though not lifethreatening condition in hospitals in Malaga.

The men, who both live on the Costa del Sol, had been drinking with their girlfriends in Wyn's Bar, in the hills behind the resort of Benalmadena, with Michael MacDonogh, 31, and his wife. A heated discussion arose between the men that exploded into what police described as a "stupid, vulgar, drunken brawl".

At 3.15am, Mr Field and Mr Dunford left the bar and were soon followed by Mr MacDonogh. The two Britons were then assaulted and shot. Mr Field received a bullet wound to the throat and Mr Dunford was shot in the chest.

Police said Mr MacDonogh left the scene.

Wyn's Bar is a popular haunt among British expatriates. Since Ronnie Knight used to be a regular some years ago, the bar has become associated with British underworld figures who frequent this part of the costa.

It is believed Mr MacDonogh owns two villas on the costa and divides his time between there and western Ireland.

Police said they had no idea what the motive of the assault could be, other than that it was a drunken row that had got out of hand. A spokesman said last night: "We are confident of making an arrest soon."