An American couple have told how they were targeted by muggers during their trip to Barcelona but managed to fight off the attackers.

Footage shows Fabienne Van Der Linden holding the wounded hand of her husband, Vito Glazers, after the pair thwarted an attempted bag theft on July 11.

Her hand can be seen trembling as she checks her partner's injuries following the scuffle.

Vito said in the video: 'This is my hand for a bunch of years. I hit him in the face, and I felt his tooth cut my hand.

'Wouldn't be Barcelona if someone didn't try to steal something.'

The couple did not sustain serious injuries during the encounter. The incident adds to a string of theft-related events involving tourists in the city.

On May 1, a holidaymaker tackled and restrained a thief trying to snatch his camera.

Recently, on July 13, an 85-year-old tourist was attacked and robbed of his wallet and bag. The suspect was quickly arrested.

Despite these alarming incidents, local authorities said crime in Barcelona has declined.

Police reportedly made progress on public transport safety in April 2025, linking 133 thefts to 28 arrests in just six days. Most of the suspects were repeat pickpockets who targeted elderly commuters during busy hours.

Overall crime in the city dropped by 4.7 per cent in 2024, with thefts down by 6.3 per cent, reaching their lowest levels in a decade. However, officials warn that tourists remain vulnerable in crowded tourist areas.