A teenage British boy who was stabbed to death in Portugal has been named.
The country’s criminal police (Judicial Police) said it is investigating the death by stabbing of 13-year-old Alfie Hallett and the alleged attacker.
Local media say Portuguese police believe the perpetrator, who has also died, was the former partner of the boy’s mother.
The mother was found “showing signs of having been restrained and assaulted, and was subsequently taken to the nearest hospital”, police said in a statement.
“Both the alleged assailant and the minor presented several injuries caused by a bladed weapon but, despite vital signs still being detectable, death was declared at the scene moments later.”
Police said the GNR (National Republican Guard) were called out after the alarm had been raised about what was feared to be a domestic violence situation, in the city of Tomar in central Portugal.
“Inside the house, there was a strong smell of gas which, moments later, resulted in an explosion that injured one of the GNR officers,” the police statement added.
“The alleged perpetrator had already served a prison sentence for aggravated homicide, and the family had been flagged following domestic violence cases registered in 2022 and 2023.”
Sport Club Operario de Cem Soldos’s basketball team in Tomar paid tribute to Alfie, saying he will “always be in our hearts”.
In a Facebook post, the club said: “(Alfie) played his last game on Saturday, played so well seemed like he knew it was his last game.
“We want to tell you how much we love you and that you will always be in our hearts.”
Chamusca Basket Clube, the club Alfie had played against in Saturday’s match, also posted a tribute on Facebook.
They wrote: “In this time of sorrow, we express our solidarity to the family, friends and all those who share this irreparable loss. May you find comfort in good memories and strength to face this difficult time.”
The British Foreign Office said in a statement: “We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Portugal, and stand ready to provide consular support.”
