A manhunt is underway in Spain after an 11-year-old boy was fatally stabbed on a football pitch in the central city of Toledo.
The victim, identified as Mateo, was playing with friends when he was attacked by a hooded assailant.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning at the Ángel Tardío sports center in Mocejón, a nearby town.
According to authorities, the suspect is described as a man in his 20s wearing shorts and a white T-shirt. He is believed to have fled the scene in a grey Ford Mondeo.
Mateo’s family and friends are devastated by the tragedy. Asell Sánchez, a cousin of the victim, told Spanish media that they had no idea who could have committed such a heinous act. “He was a super good boy, super affectionate,” Sánchez said. “He was playing with his friends, and then this happened.”
Local officials and residents have expressed their shock and grief over the murder. Mocejón has declared three days of official mourning, and the mayor, Concepción Cedillo, described the incident as a “sad day” for the community.
The Spanish government has pledged to bring the perpetrator to justice. Emiliano García-Page, president of the Castilla-La Mancha region, promised that “the full weight of the law will fall” on the assailant.
The Civil Guard has deployed a large-scale operation to locate and apprehend the suspect.
The brutal murder of Mateo has sent shockwaves through Spain. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the killer.
