It's throught that organic cucumbers from Andalucía are the source of the outbreak

The number of deaths in Germany thought to be caused by a variant of the E. coli virus found in a shipment of Spanish organic cucumbers from Málaga and Almería has risen to ten. The latest fatalities are elderly women, and more than 1,000 people have now been affected in total.The outbreak, which began in northern Germany and has now spread to the south, is a particularly aggressive strain of E.coli and is resistant to many antibiotics.The...

'Killer Cucumber' Bug From Spain

300 people in northern Germany are in hospital and around 500 more are being tested for the infection.Organic cucumbers from Spain are thought to be the source of the bacteria, but travellers to Germany are also being advised to avoid eating raw tomatoes and lettuce.The Robert Koch Institute, Germany's national disease centre, said 60 cases had been reported in the last 24 hours alone, and infections have also been confirmed in Sweden,...

Spain's Primavera Festival this weekend.Jarvis Cocker says he's had sleepless nights ahead of Pulp's comeback gigs.

The indie band announced they were reforming last November, and play their first headline set at Spain's Primavera Festival this weekend."I've had a few anxiety dreams already," the singer told BBC 6 Music's Steve Lamacq."The favourite is usually wondering through a festival, then looking at your watch and realising you should have been on stage 10 minutes ago."He added: "I've not had the one of being naked on stage yet."Pulp, who scored...

TOWIE star Joey Essex has been burgled while enjoying a holiday in Spain.

The reality star, who is out in Marbella in the Costa del Sol with the rest of the The Only Way Is Essex gang, revealed the news on Twitter.“Sorry aint been tweeting. Been Robbed by a melt ;)” he wrote.The Sun reports that Joey had all his designer gear and cash robbed from his apartment, leaving him with only the clothes he was wearing.Joey, who is going out with his co-star Sam Faiers, apparently told pals: “Everything’s gone, I’ve nothing...

British ex-pats face Spanish court over shares scam

gang of Britons appeared in a Spanish court accused of ripping off tens of millions of pounds in one of Europe's biggest boiler room scams.Detectives believe the 15 suspected con artists were cold-calling thousands of UK residents and pressurising them into parting with their savings for non-existent shares.The men - aged between 22 and 41 - were arrested earlier this week in an armed raid by Spanish and British authorities on their suspected...

Owners of Spanish properties are being forced to dramatically cut their asking prices to attract purchasers claim recent media reports.

It is estimated there are close to 600,000 homes on the market looking for a buyer and another 200,000 developments still waiting to be completed.The Bank of Spain figures show that prices have fallen 17 percent in the last four years with many sellers reducing their sales prices by up to 40 percent.But this has created opportunities for fly to let holiday home buyers who have been picking up bargains at the bottom of the market in the...

gassed by raiders who stole the cargo of his lorry as he drove it through Spain.

Frank Chown, 70, said he and his colleague Tony Davey, from the Chard area were transporting goods for a company in a contract with the Ministry of Defence.The raid took place in a motorway services station north of Valencia. The pair remember having a meal there, but nothing else before waking up hours later to find their truck emptied.Mr Chown believes the pair were targeted with a mystery gas that was pumped into the truck and rendered...

volcano erupted in Iceland on Saturday night, forcing international flights to divert their courses away from the island nation, weekend media reports say.

The Grimsvotn volcano, Iceland’s most-active one, is located about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southeast of the capital, Reykjavik, the reports say. The volcano last erupted in 2004.Iceland aviation officials ordered planes to fly outside a zone of 120 nautical miles (220 kilometers) in all directions around the volcano, which sits in a glacier, the reports say.In April 2010, an eruption from another Icelandic volcano grounded 100,000 flights...

Police arrested three men suspected of belonging to a smuggling ring on Friday in Navalmoral de la Mata, 194 kilometres (120 miles) west of Madrid.

The Interior Ministry says Spanish police have busted a gang that tried to smuggle cocaine into the country using a fake diplomatic bag purporting to come from the Swiss embassy in Peru.Officers acted on information received from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to detect the bag as it arrived at Madrid's Barajas international airport, a statement said Saturday.Investigators seized 11 kilograms (24.3 pounds) of cocaine from within...

Marbella's quieter port could soon be attracting an A-list of its very own, after plans for a 400 million euro investment, including a cruise ship terminal, were approved.

Puerto Banus may be the most iconic port in southern Spain, but it could soon have a rival just down the road, thanks to a £350 million investment.Marbella's La Bajadilla marina has always played second fiddle to her glitzy sibling which is the chosen hangout of celebrities, millionaires and anyone who wants to drool over superyachts.But Marbella's quieter port could soon be attracting an A-list of its very own, after plans for a 400 million...

Negotiations progressing well for new Ikea store in Granada

After five years of delays, negotiations with the owners of the land in Pulianas where Granada’s Ikea store is planned are reported to be progressing well, and Ideal newspaper reports that agreement could be reached before July.Should the deal be closed, the paper indicates that work to prepare the site would be able to start next year.It’s understood from Ideal that the Swedish multinational has expressed an interest in acting as the developer...

British pensioner was found dead on Wednesday

British pensioner was found dead on Wednesday after firemen were called out to a fire at her home in Torrevieja.The fire team found the flat filled with thick smoke when they arrived on the scene shortly before 2pm, although there were no flames still burning by that time. They discovered the 88 year old’s body in the bedroom of the fifth floor apartment after ventilating the rooms.Europa Press reports that there were still some embers...

Jamie Dempsey, 33, of Essex, was wanted by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) for allegedly conspiring to supply 299 kilos of cocaine in spring 2009.

His arrest comes after police released the identities of 10 suspected criminals hiding out on the "Costa del Crime". He was being questioned after officers raided a property in Marbella, police said.Dave Cording, of Crimestoppers, said: "This is another great result which means that now 50% of the most recent batch of wanted individuals have been arrested."Not only is the campaign successful in tracking people down in Spain, but it displaces...

The European Commission proposed minimum standards for helping victims of crime across Europe

The European Commission proposed minimum standards for helping victims of crime across Europe on Wednesday, saying justice systems in many countries focus on pursuing criminals and sometimes neglect their victims. The 27-nation European Union's executive wants to ensure that during investigations and trials, victims can expect certain basic standards, such as clear information and special protection for children and those suffering domestic...

The Criminal Division of the Superior Court of Justice based in Granada, has dismissed the appeal brought by British members of AUAN

The Criminal Division of the Superior Court of Justice based in Granada, has dismissed the appeal brought by British members of AUAN against the courts decision to archive the criminal complaint against the Minister of Public Works and Planning of the Junta de Andalucia, Sra. Josefina Cruz.On March 9, 2011, in Parliament, the Minister referred to "the intrusion of people ... who are not of this country, who have settled here illegally”,...

new flight route between London City Airport and Malaga in the Costa del Sol.

Britons planning to own or invest in a property in Spain will be interested to hear that BA CityFLyer, a British Airways subsidiary, is opening a new flight route between London City Airport and Malaga in the Costa del Sol.The airline decided to run a new route from London to the Spanish property hotspot after an increase in demand from travellers at the airport.BA CityFLyer has also announced an increase in the frequency of its flights...

The Costa del Sol is set to become the home of several adult only hotels

The Costa del Sol is set to become the home of several adult only hotels as owners look for new initiatives to drive additional business.Hotels catering for adults only have become a hit with many holidaymakers that are looking for accommodation that are aimed exclusively at adults and offer less family based activities. Following this success it appears that more hotels will look to move into this market which is already proving to be...

Dean Rice was arrested on the Costa del Sol in February and then did "everything in his power" to avoid returning to the UK,

A former businessman who fled to Spain more than three years ago to avoid serving an indeterminate jail term has finally been put behind bars.Dean Rice was arrested on the Costa del Sol in February and then did "everything in his power" to avoid returning to the UK, Maidstone Crown Court heard.The 49-year-old has now started serving the sentence which will keep him in prison for a minimum of five years or until the parole board considers...

Seven Britons are among 26 people who have been arrested in Spain after an investigation by Spanish police into a suspected dope-trafficking ring

uncovered 700,000 doses of performance-enhancing drugs and counterfeit medicines as well as 10,000 vials of human growth hormone.Spanish police said the Britons, who have not been named but are all believed to be residents of Marbella, were “leading members” of the alleged network. Some of the illegal substances were reportedly imported into Glasgow before being packed and distributed to Europe via Manchester.Among others arrested was the...

Pippa (26) is set to jet out next Tuesday afternoon with an RTE TV crew in tow

Pippa (26) is set to jet out next Tuesday afternoon with an RTE TV crew in tow with the TV cameras accompanying her every step of the way.The AR model has revealed to the Diary how her bridesmaids -- Niamh Martin and Avril Flynn, whom she has known since her schooldays -- are pulling out all the stops to ensure she has a send-off to remember by whisking her to the upmarket Spanish resort for an extended celebration.Pippa (26) is set...

Jamie Dempsey, 33, of Essex,who allegedly conspired to supply 299 kilos of cocaine, was held during a raid on a property in Marbella.

Jamie Dempsey, 33, of Essex, had been wanted by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) since spring 2009.Mr Dempsey, who allegedly conspired to supply 299 kilos of cocaine, was held during a raid on a property in Marbella.His arrest comes after police released the details of 10 suspected criminals hiding out on the "Costa del Crime".Dave Cording, of Crimestoppers, said: "This is another great result which means that now 50% of the most...

Spain's first 7-star hotel gets its building licence

Almuñécar Town Hall has announced that the building licence for Phase I of Spain’s first 7-star hotel, the Bahía Fenicia, which is to be built in Peñón del Lobo, between Marina del Este and Cotobro, is to be awarded this Wednesday, May 18.The project comes from Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts under their Angsana brand and, in the first phase, will build the hotel itself and 55 residential villas, each with their own pool.The promoters put...

Sheik Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani's company say they will be investing 400 million EuroSheik Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani

The Qatari Sheik, owner of Málaga Football Club, Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani, has announced he is to invest 400 million € in the new port at La Bajadilla in Marbella.He has been named winner of the tender to redevelop and extend the port with plans which include a circular wall and exterior dyke and a 200 metre quay for cruise liners.The idea of attracting cruise ships to Marbella has been around in the town ever since the late Mayor,...

Latest reports say Moroccan security forces have severely beaten anti-government protesters with batons, injuring at least ten people.

The protesters wanted to hold a demonstration on the southern outskirts of the capital Rabat in front of what they said was a secret government detention center. However, anti-riot police dispersed the crowd before their rally could even begin. Another demonstration has been planned in Morocco's commercial capital, Casablanca. The protests are part of an anti-government movement which started in the African nation on February 20. Human...

one Spanish ticketholder scooped the life-changing £107 million.

In one fell swoop, the winner became wealthier than celebrity chef Jamie Oliver (£106 million) and singer and actor David Bowie, who has an estimated personal fortune of £100 million.A National Lottery spokesman said: "This huge jackpot has been really exciting for players all over the UK and Europe."Even though a UK player wasn't lucky enough to scoop the big one this time, EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle has created two millionaires here...

What is wrong with King Juan Carlos, 73

What is wrong with Spain's King Juan Carlos, 73, who seems only a shadow of his vigorous, dynamic and joke-cracking former self?Speculation has soared about the monarch's health since he was seen leaning on a walking stick, looking pale and sickly, at a literary award ceremony two weeks ago.Prior to that, Juan Carlos failed for the first time to attend the traditional Easter mass at Palma de Majorca cathedral. The palace said he stayed...

The Bulgarian man arrested on suspicion of stabbing and decapitating a British woman in Tenerife has been named as Deyan Valentinov.

 A 60-year-old woman was attacked in a supermarket in the town of Los Cristianos on the island on Friday.The suspect is reportedly homeless and has a history of mental health issues and a police record.According to local newspaper La Opinion, Valentinov, 28, had received treatment at the psychiatric unit of a local hospital in February after being involved in previous violent incidents.He is currently being detained by Spanish police.:A...

The buildings which collapsed during the double earthquake that killed eight people in Spain should never have fallen down in earthquake of that magnitude

Up to 15,000 people have been left homeless in the southeastern city of Lorca after Spain's most destructive earthquakes in 50 years.However, Luis Eugenio Suarez, the president of the Spanish Geological Association, told Italian publication Publico Online that a 5.2 magnitude earthquake "should not have claimed any victims" and that the buildings in Lorca "should not have fallen down".He said: "Murcia, Andalucia and the Levante are areas...

Thousands of people have spent the night outdoors in the Spanish town of Lorca

Thousands of people have spent the night outdoors in the Spanish town of Lorca in fear of further tremors after the country's worst earthquakes in 50 years killed eight people and injured dozens.Residents began sifting through the rubble left by two earthquakes on Thursday morning as questions were asked about how such apparently minor tremors could cause such havoc.Hundreds of people queued for food from emergency workers as they were...

Gibraltar’s Chief Minister met ‘informally’ with President Rodriguez Zapatero’s top Moncloa official Bernardino Leon to seek ways of getting the tripartite (UK, Spain, Gibraltar) process back on its feet.

“These were not negotiations” Mr Caruana stressed. But he made clear, at a press conference in Marbella, Spain that they were attempts to get back to the formal talking table.Mr Caruana confirmed that the meeting with Mr. León had been informal, as the Moncloa later stated, and he reminded the press that they had known each other a long time. León was the Minister of State at the Spanish Foreign Ministry who had been an architect of the...

BENALMADENA Town Hall could face a stiff fine for not tackling noise from bars and discos in Puerto Marina,

BENALMADENA Town Hall could face a stiff fine for not tackling noise from bars and discos in Puerto Marina, one of the Costa del Sol’s busiest nightlife areas. It attempts over recent weeks to stop the resident’s case of excessive noise from bars to be taken to court has failed.They reportedly hired the same lawyer that won a €2.8 million payout for 18 residents in similar case in Torre del Mar (Velez-Malaga). But residents complain...

Between 1994 and 1999 Jesus Gil was deemed responsible for ‘causing losses’ to Marbella Town Hall estimated at €66.5 million to the town hall.

Mayor Angeles Muñoz fears the town may not be able to recover the millions owed following a ruling against nine people, including the four children of former mayor Jesus Gil. This followed news that a court sentenced the Gil’s children to pay back more than €105 million to the town.Between 1994 and 1999 Jesus Gil was deemed responsible for ‘causing losses’ to Marbella Town Hall estimated at €66.5 million to the town hall.His death...

Moroccan editor Rachid Nini has been arrested

Moroccan editor Rachid Nini has been arrested as "a threat to national security", his independent newspaper, Al-Massae, has reported.The prosecutor, Abdullah al-Balghaithi, announced a string of charges against Nini, such as "denigrating judicial rulings" and "compromising the security and safety of the homeland and citizens."Nini has been an outspoken critic of many government policies and has written about corruption among government...

A Swiss woman wounded in a bomb attack in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh has died

A Swiss woman wounded in a bomb attack in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh has died after being evacuated to a hospital in Switzerland last week, authorities said on Friday.Swiss President and Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy Rey announced in Bern that the 25-year-old woman, who came the from the southern canton of Ticino, had died from her injuries at a hospital in Zurich where she was being treated.Calmy-Rey said she had learned "this morning...

The chief suspect in the cafe bombing in Morocco that killed 16 people is believed to have disguised himself as a hippie

.King Mohammed VI looks at flowers left at the site of the bomb blast at Cafe Argana.Adel al Othmani reportedly entered the cafe in Marrakesh - Morocco's top tourist destination - heavily disguised and carrying a guitar."He walked into the cafe wearing a wig and carrying a guitar and the two bags where he hid the explosive devices," an unnamed source told Reuters news agency."He ordered an orange juice before leaving the cafe and behind...

Seve Ballesteros has died after suffering a “severe deterioration’’ in his recovery from a cancerous brain tumor,

Seve Ballesteros has died after suffering a “severe deterioration’’ in his recovery from a cancerous brain tumor, Spanish television reported early this morning. He was 54.The Spanish star was being cared for at his home in the northern Spanish town of Pedrena, where he has mostly been since undergoing four operations in late 2008, his family said yesterday.Ealier yesterday, the golfer’s website said his “neurological condition has suffered...

Gibraltar Private Bank and Trust Co. regained a small profit in the first quarter, despite its noncurrent loans growing 30 percent.

The Coral Gables-based bank posted net income of $49,000 in the first quarter, improved from its $6.6 million fourth quarter loss. Its net interest income increased slightly to $15.8 million in the first quarter.The main reason for the improvement was fewer charges related to bad loans. Gibraltar took a $2.7 million expense to reserve for future loan losses and charged off $4.5 million in bad loans in the first quarter. That’s down from...