A police officer died, and another was injured after a backpack reportedly exploded outside a building in a city often visited by Brits. The incident is said to have taken place on Rafael R. Urrusti Street, in the Villafría area of Oviedo, in the north of Spain, on Tuesday morning, as police investigated an earlier shooting.

A young woman was reportedly shot at around 7.30am local time (6.30am GMT) and taken to the Central University Hospital of Asturias. A suspicious backpack was then spotted at the entrance of the building where the shooting had taken place, according to local media outlet La Voz De Asturias.

A bomb disposal team was called to examine the bag, but it reportedly exploded as officers began inspecting it, killing a National Police officer in the blast. Several other people are believed to have suffered injuries, including another officer who was seriously injured, initial reports said. Local authorities said the officers were responding to a “neighbourhood dispute”.

The Spanish national police named the officer who died in the explosion as Juan José, from the Special Canine Unit, and paid tribute on X with the following message: “Saddened by the death of our colleague Juan José, from the Special Canine Unit, during the inspection of a suspicious backpack in Asturias. Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.”

The Guardia Civil also shared a message on social media: “We are deeply saddened by the death in the line of duty of Juan José of the Special Canine Unit. Our heartfelt love and support go out to his family and friends during these difficult times. And we wish the TEDAX-NRBQ officer a speedy recovery. Rest in peace, colleague.”

The Spanish Police Confederation said “several others” were injured in the explosion. “An explosive device detonated, which, according to initial reports, may have had tragic consequences for a fellow officer and left several others injured. Our support goes out to everyone at the police headquarters,” they said.