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A 34-year-old British woman was allegedly stabbed to death at a luxury hotel resort in Albufeira, Portugal, on Tuesday evening, with another British national of the same age arrested on suspicion of murder. Police are investigating whether the woman was attacked in front of a child who was staying with the pair at the family-focused resort in the Algarve.
The woman was found unresponsive with multiple stab wounds after emergency services were alerted to the incident at the Alfagar Alto da Colina aparthotel at around 6.42pm on Tuesday. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Portuguese authorities launched an investigation after police and emergency responders were called to the four-star resort in the popular Algarve town of Albufeira.
The suspected attack is believed to have taken place at approximately 6.30pm. Investigators later attended the hotel as the circumstances surrounding the woman's death were examined.
Images from the scene reportedly showed blood on a corridor window at the hotel following the incident.
Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that Portugal's Polícia Judiciária, the country's criminal investigation agency, has taken charge of the investigation after the death was classified as a suspected murder.
A British man, also aged 34, was taken into custody on suspicion of murder, according to Portuguese police. Local reports said the man and the woman were believed to have been a couple and had been staying at the resort with a child.
João Gaspar, chief of Portugal's National Republican Guard, said a man of the same age had been detained following what he described as a hotel homicide.
The suspect remained in police custody as the investigation continued and was expected to appear before a judge. Portuguese judicial authorities will determine the next steps in the case, including whether he should remain in custody while the investigation proceeds.
As with all criminal investigations, the suspect has been arrested on suspicion of an offence and any allegations must be established through the legal process.
A child who was reportedly staying with the couple may have witnessed the alleged stabbing, according to local reports.
The child is believed to have been placed in temporary care by local authorities following the woman's death.
Officials have not publicly confirmed further details concerning the child, and the circumstances surrounding what the child may or may not have witnessed remain part of the wider investigation.
The case has prompted cooperation between Portuguese authorities responsible for the initial emergency response and the specialist investigators now leading the criminal inquiry.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that the woman was a British national and said it was supporting her family following her death in Portugal.
A spokesperson said the department was in contact with local authorities as the Portuguese investigation continued.
Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that British consular officials are providing assistance to the family while authorities in Portugal carry out their inquiries.
The incident occurred at Alfagar Alto da Colina, a resort in Albufeira that promotes itself as accommodation for families and couples.
The resort is located in the Algarve, one of Portugal's most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. It offers apartment accommodation and leisure facilities, including swimming pools and activities for children and families.
The suspected killing has brought a major police investigation to a resort normally associated with family holidays and tourism.
Investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence as they establish the circumstances leading to the death of the 34-year-old British woman.
Further information may emerge following the suspect's appearance before a Portuguese judge, subject to the country's legal procedures and any restrictions placed on reporting the case.
