Baffled Spanish police have arrested a 22-year-old man for shooting himself in the manhood with an unlicensed firearm.

The bizarre incident happened when the young man – identity withheld – was driving through Novelda, Alicante Province, in the early hours of 23rd October.

After noticing several police patrols, he stuffed the modified pistol he was carrying into his underpants but accidentally pulled the trigger, said reports.

He was taken to hospital in nearby Elda, where he underwent a four-hour operation to reconstruct his shredded member.

After he was discharged, he was arrested by the Civil Guard because he did not possess a weapons permit corresponding to the firearm.

Following a custody hearing, he was released on bail.

Investigators are still unsure why he was carrying the weapon.

Another young man in the vehicle with him at the time was also arrested.

Both men are due to appear before Investigating Court number 4 of Novelda on charges of illegal possession of weapons.