A 13-year-old British boy has died after being stabbed at his home in Portugal. The alleged attacker was his mother’s former partner, who also died.
The boy has been named locally as Alfie Hallett. His basketball team paid tribute to him on social media.
Police say that after killing the boy, the man stabbed himself and caused an explosion with a gas leak.
The incident happened in the village of Casais, near Tomar, about 90 miles north-east of Lisbon.
Officers from the National Republican Guard (GNR) responded to what appeared to be a domestic violence call. They found the boy’s mother showing signs of having been restrained and assaulted. She was taken to hospital.
Both the alleged attacker and the boy had multiple stab wounds. They were declared dead at the scene.
Inside the house, a strong smell of gas led to an explosion moments later, injuring one police officer.
The alleged perpetrator had previously served a prison sentence for aggravated homicide. The family had been flagged to authorities following domestic violence cases in 2022 and 2023.
Alfie’s basketball team, Sport Club Operario Cem Soldos, posted a tribute on Facebook alongside his photo, saying the team had “just become poorer today.”
Neighbours told local media that arguments were often heard from the home and that the mother had filed a complaint against her ex-partner in 2023.
A local official said there had been several previous episodes of violence and that “this time, things went very wrong.”
The UK Foreign Office said it is in contact with local authorities and stands ready to provide consular support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the tragic case of a British boy stabbed in Portugal framed in a natural human tone
Basic Facts The Incident
1 What happened
A young British boy was fatally stabbed while on holiday in Portugal The suspect is his mothers former partner
2 Where and when did this happen
The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning on May 3 2024 near a sports complex in the resort town of Vila Nova de Gaia in northern Portugal
3 Who was the victim
The victim was an 11yearold British boy Out of respect for the family his full identity has not been widely released by all media
4 Who is the suspect
The suspect is a 29yearold man who was previously in a relationship with the boys mother He is a Portuguese national
5 Was the boys mother injured
Yes the boys mother was also attacked and sustained nonlifethreatening injuries She was treated in the hospital
Legal Investigation Details
6 What has happened to the suspect
The suspect was arrested at the scene by Portuguese police He has been formally charged and is in pretrial detention while the investigation continues
7 What charges is the suspect facing
While the formal charges will be determined by Portuguese authorities they are expected to be severe likely equivalent to murder or aggravated homicide
8 Is this being treated as a domestic violence case
Yes Portuguese police are investigating the attack within the context of domestic violence given the past relationship between the suspect and the victims mother
9 Will the suspect be tried in Portugal or the UK
He will be tried in Portugal as the crime occurred on Portuguese soil Portuguese law and judicial procedures will apply
10 What is the UKs role in the investigation
The UK Foreign Office is providing consular support to the family British police may assist if requested by Portuguese authorities under mutual legal assistance treaties but the lead remains with Portugal
Broader Context Support
11 How has the community reacted
There has been an outpouring of grief and shock both locally in Portugal and in the UK with tributes left near the scene The case has highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence
