A 13-year-old British schoolboy has been tragically killed in Portugal, stabbed to death by his mother's ex-boyfriend who then took his own life by triggering a catastrophic gas explosion.
Timeline of a Tragedy in Tomar
The horrific incident unfolded on Tuesday around midday in the central Portuguese city of Tomar. According to local media reports, the teenage victim was attacked by his mother's 43-year-old ex-partner, a Portuguese citizen with a known criminal record who had previously served prison time.
After the stabbing, the assailant barricaded himself inside the mother's home. He then deliberately turned on the gas to cause a major leak, resulting in a powerful blast that killed him. The explosion occurred near Tomar's Casais Church, with police officers having just arrived at the scene.
Mother and Officer Injured in Aftermath
The boy's mother, a 43-year-old British national, suffered minor physical injuries in the explosion. She was reportedly thrown out of her own house by her ex-partner before he attacked their son. She managed to call emergency services and cry out to neighbours for help.
She was taken to Tomar Hospital alongside her son, where she is now believed to be receiving crucial psychological support. The mother is understood to work for Portugal's National Republican Guard (GNR), a military law enforcement force.
A GNR officer who responded to the initial domestic violence call also sustained minor injuries, having been struck by shards of glass from a window shattered in the blast.
History of Domestic Violence and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities were already aware of previous domestic violence incidents between the former couple. Luis Freire, president of the local parish council, confirmed that officials were first informed of issues in 2023. Neighbours reported that the ex-partner continued to visit the house regularly despite the separation.
The Judicial Police, Portugal's criminal investigation unit, are now leading the inquiry. Forensic teams have closed the road next to the house as they gather evidence. An autopsy will be conducted to determine conclusively whether the teenager died from the stabbing or the effects of the explosion.
The UK's Foreign Office has been contacted regarding the death of a British minor. This devastating event underscores the deadly consequences of domestic violence, leaving a community in shock and a family shattered.
