British Boy, 13, Stabbed to Death in Portugal While Trying to Protect His Mother

A 13 year old British boy, Alfie Hallett, has been stabbed to death in Portugal after bravely attempting to protect his mother during a violent domestic attack, in a tragedy that has shocked both the local community and relatives in the United Kingdom.

The fatal incident occurred on Thursday at the apartment where Alfie lived with his mother in the village of Casais, approximately 10 miles north of the Portuguese city of Tomar. Portuguese authorities confirmed that Alfie suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, despite emergency responders detecting faint vital signs on arrival.

Alfie’s mother was found alive but severely injured, having been badly beaten and restrained. According to police and eyewitness accounts, her hands and feet had been bound with plastic ties, and she sustained visible injuries to her face, including bruising and a black eye. She was rescued by neighbours who raised the alarm and was rushed to hospital, where she remains under medical care.

Family members believe Alfie died while trying to shield his mother from her attacker. His grandmother, Linda Hallett, speaking from her home in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, described her grandson as a kind and gentle child who died trying to protect his mum. She said the news left the family devastated and struggling to come to terms with the loss.

Portuguese investigators identified the suspected attacker as the woman’s former partner, named locally as Goncalo Carvalho. Authorities confirmed that Carvalho had a history of extreme violence and had previously served a lengthy prison sentence for aggravated homicide after stabbing another man to death 35 times in a public park. He was reportedly released early after serving approximately 14 years in prison.

According to the Polícia Judiciária, officers from the GNR police force were dispatched to the apartment after receiving reports of an ongoing domestic violence situation. Upon entering the residence, officers detected a strong smell of gas. Moments later, a powerful explosion ripped through the property, killing Carvalho and injuring one police officer.

Investigators later discovered that Carvalho also had knife wounds, believed to be self inflicted. Authorities are continuing forensic examinations to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the explosion and the deaths.

Alfie was born in Brighton and raised in Bognor Regis on the West Sussex coast. His parents later divorced, and in 2016 his mother moved with him to Portugal after entering a relationship with a Portuguese man. Family members in the United Kingdom said contact with Alfie became limited over the years.

His grandmother revealed that she last saw Alfie in December 2018, when his father, Mark Hallett, successfully obtained permission from Portuguese courts to bring his son back to the United Kingdom for Christmas. During that visit, Alfie reunited with his extended family and met his younger half brother for the first time.

Linda Hallett recalled the visit as one of the happiest moments of her life, saying Alfie was cheerful, loved Christmas decorations, and enjoyed spending time with his family. She described him as a joyful child who loved singing, dancing, and sports, particularly basketball.

Tragically, Alfie’s father, Mark Hallett, died in February last year after contracting sepsis, following a history of heart problems. Family members said Mark had maintained regular contact with Alfie through video calls and had been actively seeking increased visitation rights before his death.

Portuguese authorities confirmed that Alfie and his mother were known to social services and law enforcement. Records show that domestic violence complaints had been filed between 2022 and 2023, including reports made by Alfie himself. Neighbours also told local media that the suspect had repeatedly harassed the family and was often seen sleeping in his car outside the apartment in what was described as obsessive behaviour.

In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Polícia Judiciária said the investigation is ongoing and aims to fully clarify the circumstances surrounding the double death and the violent assault on the woman.

The spokesperson said the deaths involved a 13 year old boy and the presumed perpetrator, the former partner of the victim’s mother. The woman was found bound and assaulted and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The leader of the local parish council, Luis Freire, said authorities were aware of repeated violent incidents involving the couple and described the outcome as deeply tragic.

Tributes have poured in from Alfie’s school and basketball club in Tomar, where he was described as a cherished member of the youth sports community. Coaches and teammates said his death has left the club in mourning, with many expressing disbelief that such violence could claim the life of a young athlete.

The case has reignited debate in Portugal and the United Kingdom over domestic violence protections, the monitoring of high risk offenders, and the long term impact of exposure to abuse on children. Advocacy groups have renewed calls for stronger intervention measures when repeated warnings are reported, stressing that Alfie’s death highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked domestic violence.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations continue.