A British woman was fatally stabbed with scissors in front of her four-year-old son by the child's father at a hotel in Albufeira, Portugal, according to reports.
The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. on September 1, 2026, at the family-friendly Alfagar Alto Da Colina aparthotel resort. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, who is also British and 34 years old, the same age as the victim, was arrested at the hotel.
The couple's son, who reportedly turned four years old on the day of the incident, was hospitalized overnight with a leg injury. He is understood to have witnessed the beginning of an argument that preceded the fatal assault on his mother. Hotel staff and guests attempted to assist the child as his mother lay dying after being stabbed multiple times in their hotel room and then again in the corridor as she tried to escape.
Forensic experts were seen photographing the scene, where bloodstains were visible on the walls of the hotel room and the second-floor corridor. Portuguese police confirmed both the victim and her partner are British nationals but have not disclosed their hometowns.
The suspect is in police custody and is expected to appear before a judge at Portimão Court, who will likely decide whether to remand him pending the investigation. Police have a maximum of 48 hours to bring him before the courts.
The Alfagar Alto Da Colina resort is described online as an aparthotel with sea views, offering amenities such as swimming pools, sports facilities, and a playground, and is marketed as an ideal accommodation for families and couples.
A Family and Juvenile Court will be responsible for determining the future of the child. Relatives of the child have been notified and were believed to be traveling to the Algarve on September 2.