A 13-year-old British boy has died after being stabbed at his home in Portugal, in what police have described as a domestic violence incident involving a former partner of the boy’s mother.
Portuguese authorities said the suspect, who also died at the scene, had a history of violent offending and previous domestic abuse reports linked to the family.
Fatal stabbing at family home
The incident took place in the village of Casais, within the municipality of Tomar, around 90 miles north-east of Lisbon.
Officers from Portugal’s National Republican Guard responded to an emergency alert on Tuesday after reports of a suspected domestic violence situation at the property.
When police arrived, they found the teenage boy and the alleged attacker both suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Mother found injured and restrained
Police said the boy’s mother was discovered at the scene showing signs of having been assaulted and restrained.
She was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and remains under medical care.
Authorities said both the child and the alleged perpetrator still showed vital signs when officers arrived, but were pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Gas explosion injures police officer
Police said there was a strong smell of gas inside the house during the response.
Moments later, an explosion occurred, injuring one officer from the National Republican Guard. The injured officer was taken for medical treatment and is understood to be recovering.
The explosion has raised additional concerns about the level of danger faced by emergency responders attending the scene.
Suspect had violent criminal history
Portuguese police confirmed that the alleged attacker was the former partner of the boy’s mother.
They said the suspect had previously served a prison sentence for aggravated homicide.
Authorities also revealed that the family had been flagged to social services and police following domestic violence cases registered in 2022 and 2023.
Investigation under way
A criminal investigation is now under way to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths and the sequence of events leading up to the incident.
Forensic teams have been examining the scene, while detectives are reviewing previous reports linked to the family.
The case has renewed attention in Portugal on domestic violence risks and monitoring of repeat offenders.
UK authorities provide support
The UK government said it is providing assistance following the death of the British child.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said officials are in contact with Portuguese authorities and are ready to offer consular support to the family.
British consular staff routinely assist families in cases involving deaths abroad, including liaising with local police and supporting relatives with practical arrangements.
Growing concern over domestic violence abroad
The tragedy highlights the risks faced by British families living overseas where domestic violence concerns have been previously identified.
Campaigners have repeatedly called for stronger cross-border coordination when families with known abuse histories relocate or live abroad.
The investigation in Portugal is expected to continue in the coming days.
