Police officer dies and another is injured following backpack explosion

A police officer has died and another has been left injured after a backpack exploded in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo.

The explosion took place when officers from Spain’s Special Canine Unit arrived to examine a suspicious backpack on Tuesday morning, according to police statements.

Spanish police paid tribute to the fallen officer, named as Juan José, in a statement published on X, saying: “Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.”

Officers initially discovered the backpack after attending the scene in response to a separate incident, according to local media reports.