Charlie Smith
A HOMELESS man has been hospitalised after he was severely beaten up in a row over a gas stove.
Known as Vicente, the Spaniard sustained several broken ribs, black eyes, and numerous cuts and bruises.
Police believe another homeless man from Ubrique, who is on the run for previous attacks, was behind the shocking violence in Villamartin in Cadiz.
According to neighbours in the town, an argument broke out after Vicente, who is from Ceuta, refused to hand over a small gas stove to the attacker at his caravan.
In response to the incident, Vicente’s friend Atanasio Nuñez has raised €3,000 in just two days, in order to get his pal’s temporary home moved to a former Guardia Civil barracks.
“At least Vicente will have a roof and a door so nobody will attack him,” Nuñez said after he thanked the public for their generosity.
Local mayor Isidoro Gambin was among the contributors to the fund.
Vincente lives with his two pet dogs, and has turned down help from social services in the past, as he is happy with his lifestyle.
A local bar owner said: “Vicente is a very good person, very polite and helpful, and he does not mess with anyone even if he is drunk.”
