The Costa del Sol has been rocked by a fatal shooting in broad daylight in which a man was killed by a woman in the middle of the street and in front of children. Police have launched an urgent investigation.

They have confirmed that a woman has been arrested after the man was shot in the chest on the outskirts of Malaga – the centre of which is an area of Spain hugely popular with tourists. The shock shooting happened in Zalea, a district of the Malaga municipality of Pizarra. The attack happened shortly before 2pm today (September 14) when the 112 Andalusia emergency service received several calls reporting gunshots and a seriously injured person.

Members of the Civil Guard, the local police and the health services rushed to the scene, together with a police helicopter. Medics tried to save the life of the seriously injured man but despite their best efforts, he sadly died.

The victim is said to be aged between 45 and 50 but no nationality has yet been released. Several reports say he was shot more than once.

The arrested woman tried to flee the scene in a car, which contained children, but was stopped by the police.

A gun was reportedly recovered at the scene. She is being held in custody under suspicion of homicide using a firearm.

The investigation remains open to clarify how the homicide occurred and the origin of the dispute between the two people. The proceedings are being instructed by the Civil Guard.