Groups armed with clubs patrolled the streets in search of people of foreign origin, despite the massive presence of law enforcement.

The violence began after a 68-year-old pensioner said he was beaten on Wednesday by three young men of North African origin, an incident filmed and shared on social media.

City Hall held a demonstration on Friday that was supposed to be peaceful, but far-right elements chanted anti-immigrant slogans. A group called"Deport Them Now" called for attacks on people of North African origin on social media.

Authorities have appealed for calm. The head of the regional government of Murcia, Fernando López Miras, said he understood the frustration but that nothing justifies the violence. Youth Minister Sira Rego condemned the violence, blaming the far-right for the unrest, according to The Guardian.