By: DAISY SAMPSON
daisy.sampson@the-resident.com
ARSON ATTACKS in Portimão and Alvor at the weekend left neighbourhoods shocked and businesses closed as vehicles and commercial properties were targeted.
Several fires were started in Alvor in the early hours of Saturday morning (October 4), including a fire at a coffee shop opposite the Don João II School.
According to police reports, the fires in Alvor were started at shop terraces and close to residences, causing damage to property and endangering life.A motorbike was also found burnt in the area.
The area around the coffee shop, Doces Pecados, including apartments above, had been smoke damaged.Tables, chairs, advertising boards and plants were all left charred at the entrance to the shop.
Teenage suspect
One bystander told The Resident: “I can´t believe that something like this has happened in Alvor. I have been coming on holiday here for nearly 15 years and it has always been a quiet and peaceful resort. I suppose all that matters now is that someone is caught.”
A statement released by the criminal investigation department of the Portimão PJ revealed that police have arrested a 19 year old suspect in connection with the fire at the Doces Pecados coffee shop.
A lighter, suspected of being used to start the fires, was found in the suspect’s possession at the time of arrest.
The suspect has also been questioned in relation to fires in Portimão on Sunday October 5, including the burning of a car and causing widespread damage to a small cake factory in the city. The 19 year old arguido later appeared in court in Portimão and is now said to be receiving emergency psychiatric care in hospital.
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