British man arrested after doorman dies following brawl at Towie star Elliot Wright's Mijas restaurant

Police have arrested a 32-year-old man, reported to be British, over an alleged assault that resulted in the death of a doorman at former Towie star Elliot Wright's restaurant in Mijas.

Guardia Civil officers arrested the man this Tuesday morning, 18 April, after the horrific incident at Olivia's La Cala on Saturday night.

The 55-year-old victim, José Rafael Pisani Pardo, was trying to break up a brawl among customers when he was allegedly struck in the back of the head.

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Police said that based on CCTV footage, the suspect, who the doorman had tried to restrain, turned around and threw a punch which knocked the doorman to the floor.

The doorman was rushed to Malaga Regional University Hospital in a serious condition and admitted to intensive care for severe head trauma. He died from his injuries on Sunday.

Olivia’s La Cala was closed temporarily for two days as a mark of respect to the deceased staff member.

Locals had reported bright pink graffiti spray-painted across the eatery on Tuesday with Spanish words that translated to; "killer Elliot" and "mafia".

The former reality TV star of The Only Way in Essex said Saturday night's horrific incident had left him "heartbroken".

“This weekend we lost a much loved and valued member of our team,” the restaurant said in a statement on Monday 17 April.

“Our hearts are broken and we have closed the restaurant today and tomorrow out of respect.

“We are supporting our staff and the family whilst awaiting news of further investigations.”

It is the second tragedy to hit the reality TV star's business after it was gutted in a mystery arson attack two years ago. It is still being investigated and no one has ever been arrested. The restaurant, which opened in 2015, was forced to close and needed to be rebuilt.