Fighting back tears from her home in Bognor Regis, Linda Hallett clutched a cherished photo of her grandson as she recounted the unimaginable horror that unfolded thousands of miles away. “I believe Alfie died trying to protect his mother,” she told reporters on Christmas Eve, her voice cracking with grief. The gentle 13-year-old boy, known for his infectious smile and passion for basketball, stepped into the path of danger in his final moments, placing himself between his battered mother and the knife-wielding attacker. His mother survived, bruised and bound but alive. Alfie did not.

The tragedy struck on December 23, 2025, in the quiet rural parish of Casais near Tomar, central Portugal—just two days before Christmas. What began as a domestic assault escalated into a nightmare of violence, ending in a deliberate gas explosion that claimed the life of the alleged perpetrator. For Britain, still reeling from the news on Christmas Eve, Alfie Hallett’s story has become a heartbreaking symbol of innocence lost, selfless courage, and the devastating toll of domestic abuse. Tributes have flooded social media, vigils are planned in his hometown, and a nation mourns a boy described universally as having “a heart of gold.”

This article uncovers the full details of the attack, pieced together from police reports, family statements, neighbour accounts, and heartfelt tributes from Alfie’s basketball community. It explores the fractured family background, the ominous history of the attacker, and the profound questions raised about warning signs, protection orders, and the vulnerability of children in abusive situations.

A Bright Young Life Cut Short: Who Was Alfie Hallett?

Alfie Hallett was a boy full of joy and promise. Born in Brighton and raised until age four in nearby Bognor Regis, West Sussex, he was remembered by his grandmother Linda as “such a lovely, gentle boy with a heart of gold.” Energetic, kind, and always ready with a joke, Alfie lit up every room he entered. His uncle Kieron Reeves called him a “happy young man.”

After moving to Portugal in 2016, Alfie quickly adapted, finding his passion in basketball. He played for the under-14 team at Sport Club Operário de Cem Soldos (SCOCS) in Tomar. Tragically, his final game was on Saturday, December 20—just three days before his death. Teammates noted he played exceptionally well, as if sensing it was his last. SCOCS posted a poignant tribute: “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 it seemed like he knew it was his last game but far from imagining… We want to tell you how much we love you and that you will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace.”

Opponents Chamusca Basket Clube added: “With deep pain we express our most condolences over the death of the little boy Alfie Hallett who loved playing basketball… and has left us tragically.” The Santarém Basketball Association expressed “deep sorrow,” noting Alfie had left an “indelible mark” on the community.

Back in the UK, Linda last saw Alfie in December 2018, when his father Mark brought him home for Christmas. Mark “spoiled his son rotten” during those precious weeks, introducing him to his new half-brother Rocco. Limited contact followed due to distance, but memories of Alfie’s warmth endured.

A Family Divided: The Move Abroad and Lost Ties

Alfie’s parents, Mark Hallett and his mother (name protected), separated when he was around four. Soon after, his mother met Paulo, a Portuguese man living in the UK. They relocated to Tomar without informing Mark. Linda recalled: “She didn’t tell Mark she was leaving and didn’t tell him where she was.”

Years later, after the relationship with Paulo ended, Mark discovered their location. He obtained court permission in Portugal to bring Alfie back for that 2018 Christmas visit. Efforts for more contact continued, but challenges persisted. The family in Britain gradually lost regular touch—a quiet ache for Linda and others.

In Portugal, Alfie’s mother later entered a relationship with Gonçalo Carvalho, a local shop worker. What seemed like a new chapter quickly darkened into obsession and control.

The Dangerous Ex: Gonçalo Carvalho’s Violent History

Gonçalo Carvalho, 43, carried a chilling past. At 19, he was convicted of aggravated homicide for stabbing a man 35 times in a park—a savage attack that landed him a lengthy sentence. He served nearly 15 years before early release for good behaviour about a decade ago.

Neighbours in Casais described him as “obsessive.” Even after the couple separated, he refused to let go, often sleeping in his car outside the apartment for hours. Alfie’s mother reported him multiple times for domestic violence between 2022 and 2023; Alfie himself filed a complaint. Despite these alerts, Carvalho persisted. Shockingly, the pair were seen shopping together just a week before the attack. The day prior, he posted a Facebook video lamenting his “broken heart”—a haunting prelude.

Local parish president Luis Freire confirmed authorities knew of prior domestic incidents, raising painful questions about intervention.

The Brutal Attack: Courage in the Face of Terror

Tuesday, December 23, brought unimaginable violence to the family apartment. Police believe Carvalho forced entry, driven by rage. He severely beat Alfie’s mother, binding her hands and feet.

In the midst of the assault, 13-year-old Alfie intervened heroically. Linda, drawing from family accounts, believes he stepped forward to shield his mother from the knife. “He died trying to protect his mother,” she said, imagining his final essence as a plea to safeguard her—a boy’s pure, unconditional love amid chaos.

Carvalho inflicted multiple fatal stab wounds on Alfie. He then stabbed himself seriously. As the mother freed herself and fled to neighbours—described as “very scared, very badly beaten”—Carvalho barricaded inside, turned on the gas, and triggered a massive explosion around midday. The blast killed him instantly and injured one responding officer.

Alfie showed vital signs initially but succumbed. His mother was hospitalized for assault injuries and blast effects; she now recovers physically while receiving psychological support.

Grandmother’s Anguish: “I’m Completely Shocked, Devastated”

Linda received the news on Christmas Eve morning via a friend’s call to her daughter. “I got a call at 9.30am… I’m completely shocked, devastated,” she said, tears flowing. Struggling to process, she clings to Alfie’s heroism for solace amid devastation. Mark, Alfie’s father, is reportedly inconsolable.

A Nation Mourns: Tributes, Vigils, and Calls for Change

News broke on Christmas Eve, casting a pall over Britain’s festivities. Social media overflowed with grief; vigils are organized in Bognor Regis and Brighton. A memorial fund supports families affected by overseas tragedies.

Alfie’s story highlights domestic violence’s deadly reach—thousands of UK cases annually, often with missed warnings. Advocates call for stronger cross-border protections and vigilance against obsessive behaviour.

In Portugal, the Judicial Police investigate the “two deaths” in Casais. Autopsies will confirm details, but the narrative of a boy’s sacrifice endures.

Echoes of Bravery: Alfie’s Legacy

Alfie Hallett’s short life ended in an act of extraordinary courage, shielding the person he loved most. His grandmother’s tearful words—“protect my mum”—capture a son’s final devotion, shattering hearts across Britain.

As communities grieve and families heal privately, Alfie’s memory lives in teammates’ tributes, family photos, and a nation’s resolve to prevent such tragedies. A gentle boy with a heart of gold, gone too soon, but forever a hero.