  We present new high sensitivity observations of the radio relic in A521
carried out with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope at 327 MHz and with the
Very Large Array at 4.9 and 8.5 GHz. We imaged the relic at these frequencies
and carried out a detailed spectral analysis, based on the integrated radio
spectrum between 235 MHz and 4.9 GHz, and on the spectral index image in the
frequency range 327-610 MHz. To this aim we used the new GMRT observations and
other proprietary as well as archival data. We also searched for a possible
shock front co-located with the relic on a short archival Chandra X-ray
observation of the cluster. The integrated spectrum of the relic is consistent
with a single power law; the spectral index image shows a clear trend of
steepening going from the outer portion of the relic toward the cluster centre.
We discuss the origin of the source in the light of the theoretical models for
the formation of cluster radio relics. Our results on the spectral properties
of the relic are consistent with acceleration of relativistic electrons by a
shock in the intracluster medium. This scenario is further supported by our
finding of an X-ray surface brightness edge coincident with the outer border of
the radio relic. This edge is likely a shock front.
