Flamenco singer accused of trying to set baby on fire

A popular Spanish flamenco singer is accused of trying to set a 20-month-old baby on fire after a bar-room brawl with the child’s father, Spanish media reported today.

Miguel Flores, who performs under the stage name Capullo de Jerez, stands accused of attempted homicide, according to the newspaper La Vanguardia.

Police arrested the 52-year-old singer on Saturday in the southern city of Jerez de la Frontera after he allegedly poured petrol on a baby girl and attempted to set her on fire with a lighter, according to La Vanguardia.

The same day, Flores had suffered wounds from brass knuckles in a bar-room brawl with the child’s father. After seeking medical help, the singer returned home carrying a bottle of petrol for his motorcycle, the newspaper El Mundo reported.

In the street Flores came across the girlfriend and child of the neighbour with whom he had fought and engaged in a heated discussion with the woman, El Mundo said.

It said Flores sprayed them with petrol and threatened to set both of them on fire, although other accounts said he actually did try to set the baby ablaze.

Flores has been held since Saturday in a Jerez prison cell, according to El Mundo.

He was to go before a judge for a preliminary hearing later today.