British boy, 13, killed in stabbing in Portugal as tributes pour in
A 13 year old British boy has died after being stabbed at a home in central Portugal, with police saying the suspect was his mother’s former partner.
The boy, named locally as Alfie Hallett, was found by officers at a property in the parish of Casais, in the municipality of Tomar, with multiple injuries caused by a bladed weapon. Despite showing signs of life when police arrived, he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly afterwards.
The alleged attacker, a Portuguese national who had previously served a prison sentence for aggravated homicide, was also found at the house with stabbing injuries and later died. Police said the boy’s mother was discovered showing signs of having been restrained and assaulted and was taken to hospital for treatment.
British boy
Officers from the National Republican Guard were called to the address after receiving reports of what appeared to be a domestic violence incident. A police spokesperson said there was a strong smell of gas inside the property and that moments later an explosion occurred, injuring one officer.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
Read More: Merseyside footballer shot dead in Costa del Sol ambush
Portuguese broadcaster SIC Notícias reported that both the boy and his mother are British citizens. The incident happened in Casais, around 90 miles north east of Lisbon. The investigation into the deaths is being led by the criminal investigation department in Leiria.
Alfie’s basketball club, Sport Club Operario Cem Soldos, paid tribute to him in an emotional post on Facebook.
“SCOCS Basketball has just become poorer today,” the club said. “Our athlete Alfie passed away today at the age of 13. He played his last game on Saturday and played so well, as if he somehow knew, though none of us could imagine this. You will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace.”
Neighbours told Portuguese media that arguments were often heard coming from the family home and that Alfie’s mother had filed a complaint against her former partner in 2023. Luís Freire, president of the parish council of Casais and Alviobeira, said there had been previous episodes of violence and that this time events had taken a tragic turn.
The UK Foreign Office said it is in contact with local authorities in Portugal and is ready to provide consular support to the family.
