British boy, 13, stabbed to death in Tomar before suspected attacker killed in house explosion

Portuguese authorities report that the 43-year-old suspect, a Portuguese national, allegedly killed the teenager with a bladed weapon before barricading himself inside the property.

The man is believed to have deliberately turned on the gas supply, triggering a blast that claimed his life.

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The boy’s mother, who is also British, sustained injuries during the incident and has been taken to hospital.

According to the PolIcia Judiciaria, the suspected attacker had previously served a prison sentence for homicide, and the family had been known to authorities following domestic violence reports dating back to 2022.

The mother is said to have contacted emergency services and sought assistance from neighbours after allegedly being attacked and forced out of the residence by her ex-partner, who remained inside with her son.

The suspect had locked himself in the property with the child while emergency responders made their way to the scene, according to Portuguese broadcaster SIC Notícias.

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The GNR, Portugal’s National Republican Guard, received the alert at around midday following reports of domestic violence at the address near Casais Church.

The explosion occurred just as emergency crews arrived at the location.

Officers discovered the teenager in cardiorespiratory arrest, and despite detecting vital signs initially, both the boy and the suspected attacker were pronounced dead at the scene moments later.

The British mother sustained minor physical injuries and is currently receiving psychological support at Tomar Hospital.

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A GNR officer was also hurt during the blast, struck by shards of glass from a window, though his injuries were assessed as minor.

The Policia Judiciaria confirmed that when authorities located the mother, she showed signs of having been restrained and assaulted.

Both the teenage victim and the alleged perpetrator were found with multiple stab wounds, according to investigators.

The Judicial Police’s Criminal Investigation Department in Leiria is leading the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding both deaths, with forensic work continuing at the scene.

Authorities are believed to have been aware of the family’s situation for some time, with domestic violence incidents reported in both 2022 and 2023.

Luís Freire, president of the Parish Council of Casais/Alviobeira, told SIC Notícias that the case had previously been flagged due to earlier episodes of domestic abuse.

Although the couple had separated, local residents indicated that the man continued to visit the property regularly.

The road adjacent to the house remains closed whilst forensic investigators continue their work at the scene.