TRAGIC Brit teen Alfie Hallett died trying to protect his mum, the boy’s heartbroken grandma has revealed.

Emotional tributes are pouring in for the promising young basketball star, who was stabbed to death by his mum’s ex-partner in a horrifying attack.

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Alfie Hallett, 13, was stabbed to death in PortugalCredit: Facebook/SCOCS – Basquetebol
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Tributes have poured for the Brit who was fatally attacked with a bladed weaponCredit: Facebook

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Tragic Alfie’s basketball club in Tomar shared a poignant tribute alongside a photo of a black ribbon photo in honour of the teenCredit: Facebook
Alfie has been hailed as a “cherished member” of his local sports community who “left an indelible mark” on everyone he met.

His grandma Linda Hallett described him as a boy with a “heart of gold”.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said: “I was completely shocked, devastated.

“I believe Alfie died trying to protect his mother. I’m struggling to come to terms with what happened, quite honestly.

“He really was a jolly little soul who loved to sing and dance.”

Alfie was allegedly stabbed to death with a bladed weapon by his mum’s ex-partner at their home in Tomar.

Portuguese police say the suspect then turned the knife on himself before deliberately barricading himself inside the property and triggering a gas explosion just before midday.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene – only for a blast to erupt as they arrived.

The alleged attacker later died in the explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak deliberately provoked.

Alfie’s mum, also a British national, survived the ordeal after reportedly being tied up and assaulted.

It is believed she managed to free herself and ran to neighbours for help before being taken to hospital.

Alfie’s devastated basketball club said he had played “so well” in his final match that it now felt “like he knew it was his last game” – a haunting tribute to a life cruelly cut short.

Sport Club Operario Cem Soldos (SCOCS), based in Tomar, shared a black ribbon image in his honour as they confirmed the tragic news.

They said: “SCOCS BASKETBALL has just become poorer today.

“Our athlete Alfie passed away today at the age of 13.

“He played his last game on Saturday, played so well that it seemed like he knew it was his last game but far from imagining it.

“We want to tell you how much we love you and that you will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace.”

Basketball trainer Ana Bengala added: “The sports community was deeply shaken by the tragic death… a victim of an act of violence deemed utterly incomprehensible.

“The news generated great sorrow among athletes, coaches, managers, parents, and members, who are united in this moment of pain and mourning.

“The young athlete was seen as a cherished member of the sports family, leaving an indelible mark on all who interacted with him.”

Neighbours and well-wishers also shared messages of heartbreak for Alfie and his mum.

Olga Neves said: “My deepest condolences to all his family.

“A lot of strength to his mum. May God protect and comfort her. Peace to the soul of this little boy.”

Patricia Oliveira added: “My most sincere condolences to all his family and friends.”

Behind the moving tributes lies a horrifying chain of events.

A member of Portugal’s GNR (National Republican Guard) was injured in the blast and is receiving treatment.

The man allegedly responsible has been named locally as 43-year-old Goncalo Carvalho – a convicted killer who had previously served nearly 15 years in prison.

Local media claim Carvalho was jailed at 19 after stabbing another man to death 35 times in a park.

He is from Tomar and is believed to have been released early for good behaviour around a decade ago.

Police confirmed Alfie’s mum had reported her former partner before the attack, with domestic violence cases registered in 2022 and 2023.

Despite officially separating, the pair had reportedly been seen together as recently as last week while shopping at a local supermarket.

Portugal’s Judicial Police said: “We are investigating the deaths by stabbing of a 13-year-old boy and that of the presumed perpetrator, his mother’s former partner, who herself was found by authorities with signs of having been bound and assaulted and has since been taken to the nearest hospital.

“Both the alleged assailant and the minor had multiple stab wounds.

“The alleged perpetrator had already served a prison sentence for homicide, and the family had been flagged following domestic violence cases registered in 2022 and 2023.”

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Portugal’s police force continues to investigate the shocking case.

The Sun has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.

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The often quiet town of Tomar, Portugal, was rocked by the horror case