The British woman stabbed to death by her partner was reportedly murdered in front of their child.
The boy is said to remain in hospital following the tragedy, which happened just before 7pm on Tuesday at the family-friendly Alfagar Alto Da Colina aparthotel resort in Albufeira, Portugal.
The youngster, whose birthday is believed to be today, is said to have been hospitalized overnight after suffering a leg injury when violence flared up in his parents’ four-star hotel room.
Staff and other guests came to the four-year-old’s aid as his mother lay dying after being stabbed multiple times in the room – and then again in the hallway as she tried to flee.
She was pronounced dead at the scene after sources confirmed on Wednesday that the weapon used to kill the tourist was a pair of scissors.
The suspect was later arrested at the hotel, where the room and hallway were reportedly covered in blood.
Police forensic experts wore protective suits as they took photos of the murder scene.
The Portuguese TV channel TVI reported during lunch that the couple’s child turned four today. Sources close to the case confirmed his age but said they could not comment on the tragic birthday claim.
The British woman stabbed to death by her partner was reportedly murdered in front of their child at the Alfagar Alto Da Colina aparthotel resort in Albufeira, Portugal
Hotel staff and other guests rushed to help the little boy as his mother lay dying after being stabbed multiple times
He is said to have witnessed the start of the argument that led to the first attack on his mother, although it was not immediately clear how he suffered his reported leg injury.
The youngster is said to still be in Faro hospital at around midday, although relatives have been informed and are believed to be on their way to the Algarve today.
A family and juvenile court will be charged with deciding the boy’s future.
The suspect, who at 34 is the same age as his alleged victim, remained in police custody this afternoon without a date announced for his first court appearance.
He is expected to be taken before a judge at the nearby Portimao Court, who will likely decide to remand him in custody pending an ongoing criminal investigation.
Police have a maximum of 48 hours to hand him over to the court, which means this will happen later today or tomorrow.
The alarm was raised at 6.42 pm on Tuesday.
Portuguese police have confirmed that both the stabbing victim and her partner are British nationals, but have not said where in Britain they are from.
Neither the GNR force that initially responded nor the Policia Judiciaria forces now leading the murder investigation have made any formal statement.
The Alfagar Alto Da Colina describes itself online as an aparthotel resort with ‘striking sea views’, comprising 174 apartments spread over two buildings.
The website states: ‘The Alfagar Alto da Colina apartments are the ideal accommodation for families and couples looking for unrivaled services and facilities in Albufeira, within walking distance of the beach.’
It adds: ‘Couples and families with children will find a wide range of leisure activities such as water slides for children, 4 swimming pools and an indoor pool, football facilities, a tennis court, basketball, a gym, as well as a playground and a variety of bars and restaurants designed to suit all tastes.
‘You can also enjoy all the nearby facilities of the Alfagar Resort, with an even wider range of swimming pools, sports facilities and plenty of outdoor activities.’
