- The 47-year-old suspect is probably from Eastern Europe
Portuguese police have arrested a masseur accused of raping a British pensioner.
The 71-year-old went to police after he was allegedly sexually assaulted following a massage session in the Algarve town of Quarteira.
The 47-year-old suspect is probably from Eastern Europe.
It was not immediately clear today whether the British woman lives in Portugal or was on holiday in the area.
A spokesperson for the Portuguese police Policia Judiciaria confirmed the arrest in the Algarve municipality of Loule, of which Quarteira is part, saying: ‘Last Friday, the Polícia Judiciaria arrested a 47-year-old man who is strongly suspected of being a 71-year-old to have raped. stranger at a massage center in the municipality of Loule.
The 71-year-old went to police after he was allegedly sexually assaulted following a massage session in the Algarve town of Quarteira (city file photo)
“The alleged victim reported the incident which police discovered occurred after a massage session.
“As a result of the investigation conducted by the PJ Southern Directorate, officers were able to collect highly relevant evidence.”
A source close to the ongoing investigation added: ‘We are waiting for the medical reports to get a full picture of what happened.
‘Police are also investigating the background of the arrested man to see if there have been any previous cases involving this person.
‘In these types of cases, victims often do not go to the police out of shame or trauma, although the information that the police have collected about the detainee does not yet indicate any previous arrests or convictions in Portugal. sexual crimes.”
The unnamed man has already appeared in court and has been released on bail with an obligation to report every week and agree to a ban on contacting his alleged victim or her family.
The British woman filed her first complaint with the Portuguese GNR police, with the support of her family.
A well-placed source described her as “very upset” when she raised the alarm.
The commercial premises from which her alleged sex attacker operated has not been identified.
Quarteira is located between the exclusive area of Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura with its beautiful marina and several golf courses.
It caters to a large number of Portuguese tourists and locals and is known for its great value restaurants and bars.