Portuguese authorities are investigating a devastating incident that resulted in the death of 13-year-old British national Alfie Hallett in central Portugal. The tragedy occurred Tuesday in the parish of Casais in Tomar, where the teenager was discovered with multiple fatal wounds from a bladed weapon.
According to official reports from Portugal’s National Republican Guard (GNR), a suspect was located with similar injuries and subsequently died in what investigators believe was a possible gas explosion. The incident also left one GNR officer injured during response operations.
The victim’s mother was found restrained and showing signs of assault, requiring hospitalization for her injuries. Police spokesperson revealed that the alleged perpetrator had previously served prison time for aggravated homicide and had been flagged following domestic violence cases registered in both 2022 and 2023.
Alfie’s basketball club, Sport Club Operario Cem Soldos (SCOCS), published an emotional tribute on Facebook, stating: “SCOCS BASKETBALL has just become poorer today. Our athlete Alfie passed away at the age of 13. He played his last game on Saturday, performing so exceptionally that it seemed he knew it would be his final game, though we could never have imagined this outcome.”
The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is “in contact with local authorities following an incident in Portugal” as the Criminal Investigation Department of Leiria assumes leadership of the complex investigation into both deaths. While Portuguese television reported both mother and child as British nationals, authorities confirmed the suspect was a Portuguese citizen.