The Algarve Situation Report 30 August 2023

by Mike Evans

A very good day to you all and especially those who may be reading this report for the first time. Safe Communities Portugal publish information every week on what has been happening across the country as well as in Madeira. We concentrate mainly on subjects that are to do with our remit, that is safety and security and civil protection.

As the month of August draws to a close a large number of domestic tourists from the North of Portugal make their way home after their annual visit to the Algarve. We see the roads around the region are very busy which is a major cause of accidents, with people wanting to get home and not thinking about theirs and others safety. There have been a number of road traffic accidents across the Algarve which  unfortunately resulted in deaths and injuries.

As a region we have been somewhat lucky with the lack of fires and we can but hope that this trend continues although there was a big fire in the , the bombeiros were able to get it under control after 6 hours. The service these men and women provide is fantastic and we should not forget that many of them are part time or volunteers. Our thanks go to all of them at this time.

Now let’s see what has been happening across the Algarve in the past week.

Worker dies and Another Injured at a Construction Site in Aljezur

A civil construction worker died on Wednesday, August 23, following the collapse of a wall at the construction site he was working on in Bordeira , in Aljezur , according to the Regional Command for Emergency and Civil Protection.

A source from this organisation said today that the death of the victim, aged 34, was declared by the doctor from the helicopter of the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM) that was sent to the place.

The same source added that another 24-year-old worker was “seriously injured” in the accident, who was transferred by helicopter to Faro Hospital. The alert for this occurrence was given at 4:24 pm on Wednesday and there were also eight vehicles with a total of 24 operatives from the Aljezur Firefighters, INEM, the National Republican Guard (GNR), the Civil Protection Service and of the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT).

Tourist  Dies after feeling ill at Praia do Coelho

A 40-year-old man from Seville died on Saturday, August 26, at Praia do Coelho , in Monte Gordo, after feeling sick on the beach, according to Arenilha TV.

The alert was given by the lifeguard at 15:15, with the victim, with a history of epilepsy, having been ventilated with material from that pariah concession.

Before the arrival of elements from the “SeaWatch” project and INEM, the man went into cardiac arrest and was transported to the Basic Emergency Service of Vila Real de Santo António , where he died after several resuscitation manoeuvres.

Man of 27 Arrested in Lagos for Burglary

The PSP detained a 27-year-old individual for committing crimes of theft inside residences, the Faro District Command of the PSP advanced this Monday.

“Yesterday, after learning of yet another theft from a house, in the Porto de Mós area, in Lagos, where items in gold worth 56,000.00 euros were subtracted, the PSP in Lagos carried out immediate investigations, culminating in the acquisition of evidence that allowed the suspect to be intercepted and detained”, says the PSP in a statement.

Most of the articles from were recovered by the police, as well as “articles from other offences of the same nature, which occurred essentially in houses in the city of Lagos”, continues the note.The detainee is indicted for the commission of five crimes of aggravated theft and five other identical crimes in the attempted form. According to the PSP, he will be present before the Judicial Authority for the application of coercive measures considered appropriate while awaiting trial.

Young Woman Rescued after Fainting near João de Arens Beach

An 18-year-old girl was rescued near Praia de João de Arens, in the municipality of Portimão , with no access by land, after suffering a power outage and fainting, announced the National Maritime Authority.

The alert was given at 15:57 by a crew member of a local vessel, with members of the Maritime Police, from the “SeaWatch” project, the coordinator of the lifeguards of the beach support of Alvor and Rocha having immediately moved to the place . , the Portimão Volunteer Firefighters and the Portuguese Red Cross.

This young woman was later transported by sea to a Red Cross ambulance, which sent her to a hospital unit.

Traffic Altercation leads to the Death of a 44-year-old man in Quarteira

A 44-year-old man died on Monday, the 28th, following a traffic disagreement that resulted in aggression and that involved two other people, in Quarteira, said a source from the GNR.

The incident took place in Quarteira, in the municipality of Loulé , at 8:30 pm, said a source from the general command of the GNR.

The attacks arose as a result of a traffic disagreement between two individuals who crossed the crosswalk and an individual who was riding a motorcycle, added the same source, without specifying further details while the investigation takes place. The victim, a 44-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene by rescue teams.

The Judiciary Police was called to the scene to carry out the steps, the GNR source also explained .

Man Arrested for Armed Robbery in Albufeira

A 22-year-old man was arrested on August 24 for robbery with a knife in the municipality of Albufeira , announced the National Republican Guard (GNR).

The arrest was made by the Territorial Command of Faro, through the Territorial Sub-detachment of Albufeira, following a report of the theft of two men aged 19 and 20.

These two men were also threatened with a knife and after police investigations it was possible to locate the suspect, recover 30 euros in cash and seize a knife. Three defendants aged 21, 23 and 25 were also named, who are suspected of being involved in these robberies.

The detainee was present at the Judicial Court of Albufeira the following day and the coercion measure of weekly appearances at the police station in his area of ​​residence was applied to him.

Preventive Arrest for Man who Robbed Restaurant in Albufeira

A 21-year-old man was remanded in custody for stealing from a restaurant in the municipality of Albufeira on August 24, announced the National Republican Guard (GNR).

The arrest was made by the Territorial Command of Faro , through the Territorial Sub-detachment of Albufeira.

After a complaint that a man had broken into a window and entered a restaurant, the Guard’s military found the suspect’s location and proceeded to arrest him in the act, when the individual left the place. During the action, 53 euros in cash, two mobile phones and a knife were seized.

The detainee, who has a criminal record, was present at the Judicial Court of Albufeira.

And Finally we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of GNR, Corporal Nuno Policarpo who sadly passed away following a road traffic accident in Loule on the 26th August. Nuno Policarpo was 47 years old and was born in Nisa. A Member of the National Republican Guard, he served in the Community Policing Section of the Territorial Detachment of Loulé. 

In a statement released on Sunday, the 27th, the Municipality of Loulé publicly expresses “its deep regret, The disappearance of this young GNR soldier, on a night of celebration and joy for tens of thousands of people, shocks us and makes us appreciate even more the importance of the work of the security forces”, can be read in a statement.

“To the family and the National Republican Guard, the Municipality of Loulé sends its most sincere condolences for the loss of a professional who cared for the safety and well-being of our community throughout his life”, ends the note. From all of the volunteers at Safe Communities Portugal we also extend our sincere condolences.

 

 

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 23 August 2023

 

by Mike Evans

A very warm welcome to you all as we sit in a very hot period of weather and hope everyone is mindful of the need to keep hydrated and to be especially vigil to the issue of wildfires.

As I am writing this report the Algarve has 10 municipalities at the maximum risk of fires and with the winds we get at this time of year it doesn’t take much to get a small fire to turn into a large blaze.

On our Facebook pages we publish daily the latest information from the IPMA regarding the weather, as well as the fire hazard tables for every region and municipality in the Algarve. If you have not already seen this information I would implore you to take a look.

Let’s take a look at what has been happening across the region in the past week concerning our remit of safety and security.

Man Arrested after Stabbing In Lagoa

A man was arrested on suspicion of having committed two crimes of attempted homicide on Monday night, August 21, in Lagoa , announced the Judiciary Police.

The arrest was made by the Judiciary Police, through the DIC of Portimão , after the alleged aggressor became involved in an argument with the owner of a café.

The woman wanted to close the establishment and refused to serve more drinks to the suspect, who started the discussion, which was interrupted by two customers who were nearby and who ended up being stabbed in the chest area. The suspect, aged 54, fled but was eventually located with the collaboration of the National Republican Guard of Lagoa, and will be present at the first judicial interrogation for the application of coercive measures.

The two victims were admitted to a hospital.

Man Arrested for Burglaries  in Albufeira  County

A 21-year-old man was arrested on Friday, August 18, for theft from homes in the municipality of Albufeira , announced the National Republican Guard.

The arrest was made by the Faro Territorial Command , through the Territorial Sub-detachment of Albufeira, following a report of a fire in a house. The military, at the scene, verified that there had been a theft of several articles inside two residences through break-in.After the police investigations, the suspect was located in possession of the stolen items, having recovered a mobile phone, a pair of headphones (Airpods), a wallet with documents, a shirt and two wallets.

The detainee was present the day after the Judicial Court of Portimão, with application of the coercion measure of biweekly presentations in his area of ​​residence.

Two Arrested for Car Theft  in Aljezur and Vila do Bispo

Two men aged 36 and 49 were arrested on Wednesday, August 16, for theft from a vehicle in the municipalities of Aljezur and Vila do Bispo , announced the National Republican Guard (GNR). The arrest was made by the Territorial Command of Faro, through the Núcleo de Investigação Criminal de Portimão, following a complaint.

The thefts were carried out in car parks, with the suspects detained after police investigations, with an iPad, a speaker, two power banks, two pairs of earphones, two bracelets, two pairs of glasses, two pairs of gloves, two mobile phones and 645 euros in cash. The detainees will be present at the Judicial Court of Lagos for the application of coercive measures during today.

The action had the reinforcement of the soldiers from the Territorial Post of Vila do Bispo.

Man Rescued After Falling on Rocks at Molhe Beach

A 45-year-old man was rescued during the afternoon of Thursday, August 17, after an accidental fall on the rocks at Praia do Molhe, in Ferragudo, in the municipality of Lagoa, announced the National Maritime Authority.

The alert was given at 18:52 by the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, with elements of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Portimão, the Lifeguard Station of Ferragudo, the Firefighters Volunteers from Lagoa and INEM.

The victim, of Spanish nationality, had a serious injury to his right leg, in the ankle area, and was transported to a hospital after being rescued from an area of ​​difficult access.The Portimão Maritime Police Local Command took care of the occurrence.

Body of Missing Man From Santa Luzia found in Perogil

The body of Quévin Andre Protseko, who had been missing for a month, was found on Thursday, August 17, in Perogil , in the municipality of Tavira , according to Correio da Manhã. The corpse of the 21-year-old was in a high state of decomposition and was discovered by the Judiciary Police, next to a crane, with marks of a fall of several metres.

The parents of the Computer Engineering student at the University of Algarve have already been notified and there are no signs of crime.During the investigations, around 200 pages were found on Quévin Protseko’s computer, written by himself.

His mobile phone had already been located by the local authorities two weeks ago, and it was discovered that before the disappearance, the young man who lived in Santa Luzia had withdrawn all the money from his bank account.

Pleasure Craft Runs Aground on Ilha Deserta

A pleasure craft with 12 crew ran aground west of the Faro -Olhão bar on the night of Wednesday, August 17th, in a strip of sand on Ilha Deserta , announced the National Maritime Authority.

The alert was given at 02:02 by the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, with elements from the Faro Maritime Police Local Command and the Olhão Lifeguard Station having been immediately activated.

Eleven crew members were sent ashore to the pier on Ilha da Deserta, where they were rescued by members of the Maritime Police, who verified that they were in good physical condition and did not require medical assistance.The crew were later transported to another pleasure boat, which took them to the Vilamoura marina.

The owner of the damaged vessel was notified to present a removal plan and the Faro Maritime Police Local Command took care of the occurrence.

GNR Detains Man who had a Woman Locked in his House

A 62-year-old man who had kidnapped a woman, after threatening her family, was arrested in the municipality of Loulé , reported the GNR.

In a statement, the GNR explains that the detention took place after a complaint about a woman who was locked in a house, and the military found that “the suspect had already threatened the victim’s family with a firearm and that the victim was kidnapped in the suspect’s residence.

In a house search of the suspect’s house, which culminated in his arrest, a shotgun, two compressed air guns and various ammunition of various calibres were seized.According to the GNR, the detainee is being held at the premises of this security force, waiting to be presented to the Judicial Court of Loulé for the application of coercive measures.

Boat capsizes with 14 tourists on board in Lagoa

A tourist vessel that made the usual trips through the caves on the coast of Lagos, in the Carvoeiro area , capsized on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 15th, with 16 people on board (14 tourists and two crew). There are no injuries to report.

According to the news provided by Correio da Manhã, the incident took place inside a cave between the Farol de Alfanzina and Benagil, in the municipality of Lagoa.

Among the 14 passengers on board were eight tourists of French nationality, six Spanish, including children between two and six years old.The Ferragudo lifeguard station, with the support of another maritime tourist vessel, proceeded to rescue all the passengers, said the same source.

As the commander of the Captaincy of Portimão , Eduardo Pousadas Godinho, described to Correia da Manhã, “the vessel capsized and people stayed inside the cave. The reaction was very fast and allowed us to rescue all the people without injuries”.

 

Police Crackdown Results in 95 Arrests across the Algarve

95 people were arrested, more than 500 doses of drugs were seized and 735 traffic offences detected over a week in the Algarve by the GNR police. Between the 7th and 13th of August, 44 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 17 for driving without legal authorization and 16 for drug trafficking.

During this period, 297 doses of hashish, 236 doses of heroin, 21 doses of cocaine, three knives, two of them with automatic openings, two mobile phones, an alarm pistol, a defence aerosol, an electric gun and several counterfeit articles of brands were seized of footwear and fashion accessories.

In traffic, 735 infractions were detected: 354 for speeding, 29 related to anomalies in the lighting and signalling systems, 28 for lack of mandatory periodic inspection, 26 for improper use of the mobile phone while driving, 19 for lack or incorrect use of the seat belt and/or child restraint system and 14 for lack of civil liability insurance.

Last week, 230 accidents were recorded, resulting in two deaths, one seriously injured and 48 slightly injured.

Let’s all stay safe whether on the roads, on the beach or just in private pools. Until the next time..

 

 

The Algarve Report Wednesday 16 August 2023

 

by Mike Evans

A very good day to you all and with the region being awash with tourists from across Europe and beyond it is right that we start this report with the news that in the first 6 months of the year 60 people have died as a result of drowning, across the whole country, according to the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards ( FEPONS ), noting that, despite the decrease in cases compared to the same period last year, the figures are still high.

In a statement, FEPONS cites figures from the Drowning Observatory to indicate that, despite a reduction compared to the same period last year (68 deaths), it was still higher than the average of the last six years (56 deaths). According to the report by the Drowning Observatory, 51 of the people who drowned in the first six months of the year were men and more than half (57.4%) were over 40 years old.

According to the document, 16 cases occurred in April, 12 in June and 10 in January and only one case occurred in a guarded area. FEPONS also points out that 36 (60.7%) drownings occurred in the afternoon, 25 at sea, 21 in the river, four in domestic swimming pools, three in dams, another three in harbours/marinas and two in wells.

It adds that 11 cases occurred during leisurely bathing, four due to falling vehicles into the water, two during recreational fishing with a rod, two during recreational fishing with nets and others in cleaning tasks at the site. As for geographical distribution, 10 cases (16.4%) occurred in the district of Faro , eight (13.1%) in Lisbon, eight (13.1%) in Leiria, seven (11.5%) in Setúbal and six (9.8%) in Porto.

Many tourists who come to the Algarve do not expect the water to be as cold as it is and this is in part one of the reasons why there are these such incidents. With a number of beaches having no Lifeguards present this is shown to be another factor. We can all help by keeping an eye out when on the beach for anyone who may be in difficulty especially if bathing on an unattended Lifeguard beach.

Now let’s take a look at what else has been happening around the Algarve region in the past week.

Man dies after falling ill in water on unguarded beach

A 49-year-old man, of French nationality, died in the late afternoon of Sunday, August 13, after allegedly having suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest while bathing in an unsupervised area between Vale do Lobo beach and Praia de Loulé Velho, indicated AMN.

Following an alert received at 6:45 pm, via the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Lisbon), informing that a person had gotten into difficulty in the water on an unsupervised beach, “they immediately went to the local elements of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Faro, INEM, lifeguards from the assistance device for bathers of the Municipality of Loulé and the Red Cross of Faro”, says the National Maritime Authority (AMN) in a statement.

The man was removed from the water “by bathers” who were at the scene, after allegedly feeling bad while bathing, having suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. The man was assisted at the scene by lifeguards until the arrival of INEM, who continued the resuscitation manoeuvres, “it was not possible to reverse the situation”, said the report. The death was declared “on the spot by the INEM doctor, and the victim was later transported to the Instituto de Medicina Legal de Faro by the Cruz Vermelha de Faro”, he details.

The Maritime Police Psychology Office has been activated and is providing “support to the victim’s relatives”. The Faro Maritime Police Local Command took care of the occurrence.

Lifeguard station rescues missing man in Olhão

The crew of the Lifeguard Station in Olhão rescued a 73-year-old man of French nationality on the afternoon of this Monday, the 14th, who had disappeared after leaving the Cavacos beach in Olhão by kayak.

Following an alert received at 4:00 p.m. by the victim’s wife, informing her that her husband had left Cavacos beach in a kayak at 2:15 p.m. and had still not returned, “the crew of the Olhão Lifeguard Station were immediately activated. to carry out searches between Armona and Fuseta”, says AMN in a statement.

‘SeaWatch’ elements have been enabled to perform land searches. The crew of the Salva-vidas Station detected the man at 4:25 pm between Cavacos beach and Fuseta, having found that he was “tired and having difficulty returning to land due to the strong wind, with no need for medical assistance”, details the note. . The man was later rescued to the Lifeguard Station in Olhão, where he arrived safely.

Cyclist dies in an accident in Alcoutim

Cyclist José Ricardo Viegas, aged 40, died on Saturday, August 12, in Alcoutim , in an accident involving a truck, according to the Jopelor Cycling Academy, where he was an athlete.

Born in Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo , in the municipality of Tavira, Zé Ricardo, as he was known, lost his life at the scene of the accident while riding his bicycle, which was his passion.

11 people arrested during inspection in the municipality

 Eleven people aged between 19 and 65 were arrested on Friday, August 11, during an operation to combat crime in the municipality of Albufeira , announced the National Republican Guard (GNR).

The arrests were made by the Territorial Command of Faro, through the Territorial Sub-detachment of Albufeira, in various places in the municipality, for the crimes of drug trafficking (seven), driving under the influence of alcohol (two), possession of a prohibited weapon (one) and aggravated threat (one).

During the police investigations, two razors were seized, an alarm gun, 40 rounds of ammunition, a defence aerosol, an electric gun, 65 doses of hashish, 59 doses of MDMA, 24 doses of cocaine, a knife with traces of hashish and 20 euros in cash. Four nightlife establishments were also inspected, which resulted in the drawing up of nine administrative offence notices, while in the road area, 12 were drawn up. The facts were sent to the Judicial Court of Albufeira.

Man Arrested for stealing a car from the Câmara de Albufeira

A 21-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, August 9, after having stolen an Albufeira City Council car that he was driving in Olhão , announced the Public Security Police (PSP).

The arrest was made by the Faro District Command of the PSP, through the Olhão Police Station, in collaboration with the National Republican Guard, after the goods vehicle was circulating in the city of Olhão.

A police device was set up to intercept the vehicle and the suspect, using the GPS tracking system of the stolen car, and the person responsible was arrested. The stolen vehicle had several tools and machinery worth approximately 11 thousand euros, which were also recovered.

The detainee was notified to appear before the Public Ministry this Thursday, August 10th.

Video surveillance in Olhão and Portimão to be reinforced

The Ministry of Internal Affairs authorised the reinforcement of video surveillance systems in Olhão and Portimão, it was announced today.

By order of the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, published today, 11th August in Diário da República , it can be read that “the video surveillance system in the municipality of Olhão, which had 26 cameras, is renewed for three years, and the installation of another 41 is authorised , in a total of 67 chambers”.

In the case of Portimão, the renewal is for the same period, “a total of 42 video surveillance cameras (there were 26 before) in 29 locations in the municipality”, says the note.

Finally as we are in the Fire Season, please follow our Facebook page for any information regarding fires and preventative measures we should all be aware of at this time of year.

Have a good and peaceful week.

 

 

 

The Algarve Report 9 Aug 2023

by Mike Evans

Good day to you all, this past week the big news is the number of fires which are ongoing or have been extinguished across the country but also in the Algarve region. As I write the big fire in Odemira on the west coast area is still burning ( Tuesday) and currently more than 900 firefighters are tackling the forest fire along with over 300 vehicles and 6 air resources. We have seen particularly hot and windy conditions this past week which obviously exacerbates the fires and allows them to take hold.

We can all help by making sure that no sparks or flames are allowed to happen unintentionally and that we all adhere to the rules which surround the use of garden equipment and barbecues. Don’t forget if you see a fire or smell smoke call 112 first and foremost. We will continue to monitor the fire situation across the country so keep an eye on our facebook page to see the latest information.

Now a look at what else is making the news in our area this past week.

Two Men arrested trying to steal Fast Boats from VSRA

The Coastal Control Unit (UCC) detained this Monday, August 7th, two men of foreign nationality, aged 23 and 24, for attempting to steal high-speed boats from the mooring pier of the Coastal Control Sub Detachment of Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA), reported the GNR .

The two suspects, who were hooded, were detected at 4:00 am by soldiers from the Maritime Team of the VRSA Coastal Control Sub Detachment, “when they entered the mooring pier, skirting the fence and immediately heading towards two vessels used for patrolling and interception. ”, specifies the GNR in a statement. “Equipped with tools, they immediately began to work on the engines and ignition guns, in order to put them into operation, with the aim of stealing maritime resources at the service of the GNR”, continues the note.

The prompt intervention of the UCC soldiers made it possible to detain two suspects, one of whom collaborated “with the verbal orders of the military, immediately ceasing his movements, and another started to flee by swimming, ending up being intercepted shortly afterwards, still close to the pier”. , details. Considering the modus operandi used, the GNR believes that “there are strong suspicions of the relationship between the arrested individuals and other similar situations, related to the theft of vessels belonging to the security forces”, it can be read.

Since the beginning of 2023, the GNR has detected “three attempts to steal vessels” and three arrests have been made. “These attempted thefts are largely related to the intervention of the UCC in the fight against international narcotics criminal networks by sea and which, since the beginning of the year, has allowed the seizure of six high-speed vessels and about five tons of hashish”, he points out.

The two men remain in custody and will be present at the Vila Real de Santo António Judicial Court.

Three 23-year-olds are remanded in custody for robberies in Albufeira

The Faro Territorial Command of the GNR , through the Territorial Sub-detachment of Albufeira, arrested three 23-year-old men for robbery in the municipality of Albufeira, on August 1, announced the GNR.

“Following a denunciation of disrespect in the area of ​​Praia da Oura, in Albufeira, the military went to the place and found that six young people, aged between 17 and 23, had been victims of aggression and robbery by a group of three individuals who fled in a vehicle”, describes the GNR in a statement.

The GNR military “carried out steps and managed to intercept, in the vicinity, the vehicle used by the suspects and detain them”, continues the note. During the police action it was possible to seize “two cell phones; one wallet; a suitcase; a wooden stick; and a vehicle”, he details.

The action was reinforced by military personnel from the Criminal Prevention and Community Policing Section (SPCPC) and the Criminal Investigation Nucleus (NIC) in Albufeira, as well as military personnel from the Public Order Intervention Group (GIOP) from the Intervention Unit (UI)

The three detainees were present at the Judicial Court of Albufeira on the 2nd of August, having applied the coercive measure of pre-trial detention.

Man arrested for drug trafficking in county

A 41-year-old man was arrested red-handed on Wednesday, August 2, in the municipality of Castro Marim , for drug trafficking, announced the National Republican Guard (GNR).

The arrest was made by the Faro Territorial Command , through the Tavira Territorial Post and the Tavira Criminal Investigation Nucleus during a road inspection action.

The suspect, when approached, showed suspicious behaviour, which led to a search of the vehicle and a narcotic product was found. After police investigations, a search of his residence was carried out, where more narcotic product was seized. During this action, 4264 doses of hashish, two doses of liamba, three cannabis plants, seven ammunition, two cutting knives, two precision bullets, six mobile phones, 1808.90 euros in cash, a vehicle and various equipment used in the packaging of the narcotic product.

The detainee is awaiting presentation to the Judicial Court of Vila Real de Santo António for the application of coercive measures. A 45-year-old woman was also accused.

The action included the reinforcement of the Environmental Protection Nucleus of the Territorial Detachment of Tavira, the Cinotechnical Section of the Intervention Detachment, the Territorial Post of Vila Real de Santo António and the Traffic Post of Tavira.

PJ arrests suspect on pornography of Minors charge in Faro

A man was detained by elements of the southern directorate of the Judiciary Police (PJ) with “thousands of videos and images” with pornography of minors, found on computer devices during searches carried out in Faro and Setúbal, it was announced on Wednesday .

In a statement, the PJ adds that the 30-year-old man is suspected of the crime of pornography of minors and was arrested as part of an investigation initiated after “complaints indicting the suspect for the practice of sexual acts with children”.

Also according to the PJ, the investigators carried out two house searches in the Faro and Setúbal area, which culminated in the arrest of the man, having found in the “computer searches of the various equipment” of the suspect “thousands of videos/images” with pornography of minors. The researchers suspect that “part of this material may have been shared with third parties not yet identified”, reads the note.

The PJ reveals that “conversations and sharing of content were also flagged” that “point strongly to the possibility of the suspect having had sexual relations, with children and young people, over the last few years”. During the searches, the PJ seized a computer, a hard disk, several external disks, two cell phones and a portable computer data storage device, as well as 54 grams of hashish and a precision scale.

“The investigation continues with a view to fully clarifying the facts, namely the identification of potential victims and other possible suspects”, adds the PJ.

According to the PJ, the detainee will still be present in court for the first judicial interrogation and the application of any coercive measures.

Man dies after feeling ill on Lota beach

A 58-year-old man died on the afternoon of Sunday, August 6, after feeling ill while bathing on Lota beach , in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António , announced the National Maritime Authority.

The alert was given at 14:15 by the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center and elements of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Vila Real de Santo António, from the “SeaWatch” project, Firefighters and Volunteers from Vila Real de Santo António and INEM.

The victim was pulled out of the water onto the beach by members of the public, with resuscitation manoeuvres carried out by the lifeguards until the arrival of SeaWatch, firefighters and INEM. The man was later transported, in very serious condition, to a hospital unit. The Maritime Police Psychology Office has been activated and is providing support to the victim’s family. The Local Command of the Maritime Police of Vila Real de Santo António took care of the occurrence.

1,400 evacuated as Odemira Fire bears down on Aljezur

Following on from our lead story we hear that the authorities today (Tuesday) have started to evacuate people from the various parts of São Teotónio parish and the Algarve border in Aljezur municipality.

Traffic on the EN120 leading to Odemira/ Cercal has been blocked, including access to municipal roads. The overriding message is that no-one should be driving in the vicinity of these fires unless it is to evacuate.

Police visited industrial areas this afternoon, advising garages to remove cars and combustible material to areas least exposed. Yesterday Around 100 people were evacuated from four locations, but there have been many more in terms of campers/ holidaymakers/ people living in ‘alternative structures’ on their own land, and villagers now from São Miguel, on the Alentejo/ Algarve border who have had to move to a safer area

In all 22 injuries have been reported, most light) although there are reports four people being hospitalised.

Flames forced the evacuation of 18 people in Monchique overnight

The fire raging in Odemira entered the late afternoon of Monday, the 7th, in the northern area of ​​the municipality of Monchique, forcing the evacuation of 18 people from their homes and a rural tourism unit.

Paulo Alves, mayor of the municipality, said this Tuesday that people were taken to the population service area installed at the Manuel Nascimento School, in Monchique.

“Some are still there, but the people who were in rural tourism have already left”, he added, adding that the tourist unit where some people were staying is located in the Foz do Besteiro area.

According to the mayor, the fire, which broke out on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira (Alentejan district of Beja), entered at the end of the afternoon in the area of ​​Alcanforado, in the parish of Marmelete, in an area of ​​confluence between the municipalities of Odemira, Aljezur and Monchique .

“The prevailing wind was from the southeast, but it rotated, causing projections that formed a fire front that developed towards Marmelete. It was fought at night by firefighters and crawler machines,” he described. According to Paulo Alves, the high humidity at night that was felt in the area helped to fight the fire, although at 10:00 am the mayor of that municipality was still unable to update the situation.

The work carried out during the night to fight the rural fire allowed for “stabilisation of the fire perimeter”, but there are still two critical points to motivate concern, according to Civil Protection.

“We maintain two critical points: one to the north, in the area of ​​Delfeira, which inspires a lot of concern, and also to the south, on the front facing Monchique”, said the regional commander of Emergency and Civil Protection of the Alentejo, José Ribeiro, at a point of situation to journalists around 9:30 am, at the command post in São Teotónio, parish where the fire started, in the Baiona area. José Ribeiro referred that, after the operations prioritised the defence of the populations – the GNR has already moved 1,438 citizens as a precaution -, there was an adjustment of the strategic plan and “the work of today will be more focused on the suppression of the fire”.

The number of people assisted by the National Institute of Medical Emergency ( INEM ) in this fire rose to 40, namely 28 firefighters, four civil protection agents and eight civilians, mainly due to fatigue.

As for the roads that have conditioned circulation, the regional commander explained that the situation remains in relation to Monday. In other words, the National Road (EN) 120, between São Teotónio and Odeceixe, in the neighbouring municipality of Aljezur, and the municipal roads 501, 1186, 1001 are cut off from traffic.

The rural fire in an area of ​​bush and pine forest has entered the Algarve on several occasions since Saturday, the 5th, and on Monday afternoon surrounded the centre of Odeceixe.

Until the next time stay Safe.