Dear Editor,
Having read with great shock the news of Paul Houston’s murder in Alvor, and being a regular visitor over the past 12 years, I feel compelled to extend our sympathies to Paul’s family and friends at this terrible time.
Alvor has been our family holiday destination for many years and we have always felt safe, on the streets, often wandering home in the early hours. That was until this year.
We arrived in Alvor in mid-July and, as has become the norm in the last year or two as the kids have grown up, we would usually have a family meal in the evening and then the youngsters would head off to meet friends in their favourite spots and we would all arrange to meet up later in the evening.
On one particular night this year my eldest son, who is 21, and his girlfriend stayed with us for an after dinner drink and it was a little after 10pm when my wife and I decided to head for home.
They were slightly ahead of us when I became aware of two youths, who I had seen earlier near the restaurant, and they seemed to be following them.
As we reached the top of the street, my son and his girlfriend stopped and had a quick chat and at this point I noticed there were now three youths and it was obvious they were up to no good.
Unaware of us as a group, one targeted my son’s girlfriend, possibly for her bag as the street was very busy and the other two followed him up the street.
I realised what was going on and called out to them, at the same time alerting the three lads of our presence.
They instantly scattered up side streets and disappeared.
It’s unfortunate that this minority spoil such a beautiful place. Our brush with these people was very minor but for the first time I must sadly admit to being glad to leave Alvor, as this incident cast a cloud over the remainder of our holiday.
So I can only imagine how Paul’s family and friends must be feeling to have their lives shattered by this appalling and senseless act.
TOM MCGREAL, Ireland, by email
