A devastated British family is mourning the tragic loss of 13-year-old Alfie Hallett, a “gentle boy with a heart of gold” who died heroically trying to shield his mother from her obsessive ex-boyfriend in a brutal stabbing attack in Portugal.

The nightmare unfolded on December 23, 2025, in the quiet village of Casais, near Tomar, when Goncalo Carvalho – a man with a chilling history of violence – launched a savage assault on Alfie’s mum before turning his knife on the brave teenager.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail, Alfie’s grandmother Linda Hallett, from Bognor Regis, West Sussex, broke down as she revealed the heartbreaking details: “He died trying to protect his mother. He was such a lovely, gentle boy with a heart of gold.”

As the nation reels from this senseless Christmas tragedy, tributes have poured in for the talented young basketball player, while questions swirl over how a known dangerous man was allowed near the family despite years of domestic violence warnings.

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Alfie Hallett, the smiling 13-year-old whose life was cut short in a brutal attack.

A Loving Boy Torn from His Family: Alfie’s Short but Joyful Life

Alfie Hallett was born in Brighton and spent his early years in Bognor Regis, a happy child surrounded by family. His parents split when he was young, and in 2016, at just four years old, his mother moved to Tomar, Portugal, with a new partner named Paulo.

Contact with his British family faded until a magical reunion in Christmas 2018. Alfie’s dad, Mark Hallett, reconnected via social media, flew to Portugal, and brought his son back to the UK for two unforgettable weeks.

Grandmother Linda recalls the joy: “It was so wonderful seeing Alfie again. He was so pleased to see his dad and his baby half-brother Rocco. We took him to see Santa, to Christmas markets in Winchester – he was singing and dancing, full of life.”

Alfie even took home an inflatable Santa and reindeer as souvenirs. But tragedy struck the family earlier this year when Mark died suddenly from sepsis in February 2025. Linda is grateful he never lived to see this horror: “I’m glad Mark isn’t here to witness this – it would have broken him completely.”

Despite the distance, Alfie remained close to his roots. Linda says he loved Portugal but was often homesick: “He told me he liked it there, but it got very hot. I could tell he missed England.”

In Portugal, Alfie thrived as a talented athlete, playing for the Sub-14 basketball team at Sport Club Operario Cem Soldos (SCOCS) in Tomar. He played his last game just days before his death, performing brilliantly.

His coach Ana Bengala and the club paid moving tribute: “Our athlete Alfie passed away today at the age of 13… You will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace.”

The Night of Terror: A Violent Ex’s Deadly Rampage

The attacker, Goncalo Carvalho, was the mother’s ex-boyfriend with a terrifying past. He had served 14 years for aggravated homicide – stabbing another man 35 times in a park – before early release for good behavior.

Neighbors and locals knew of ongoing violence. Parish council leader Luis Freire said: “There had been a number of violent episodes… the police were aware.”

The family was flagged for domestic abuse in 2022-2023, with brave young Alfie even filing some complaints himself.

On December 23, Carvalho snapped. He badly beat Alfie’s mother – black eye, bruising, possible broken teeth – and bound her with plastic ties around wrists and ankles.

When Alfie intervened to protect her, Carvalho stabbed the boy multiple times.

As GNR police responded to a domestic alert, they smelled gas. A massive explosion rocked the apartment, killing Carvalho (who had self-inflicted wounds) and injuring an officer.

Neighbor Jaime Lopes described the mother’s rescue: “She was very scared, very badly beaten… a lot of blood on her hands and plastic ties.”

Alfie was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Grandmother’s Heartbreak: ‘I’m Struggling to Come to Terms With It’

Linda learned of the tragedy on Christmas Eve morning via a call from her daughter: “I’m struggling to come to terms with what happened, quite honestly.”

She praises Alfie’s bravery: “Nobody deserves what she [his mother] has gone through, least of all her – and Alfie dying trying to protect her… it’s unimaginable.”

The family is now rallying around Alfie’s devastated mother and planning to bring his body back to the UK.

Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária is investigating the deaths and explosion.

A Community in Mourning: Tributes Pour In for a ‘Cherished’ Boy

The basketball club and local community are “deeply shaken.” Friends and teammates remember Alfie as cheerful and dedicated.

Back in Bognor Regis, shock ripples through the family. Linda clings to memories of that 2018 Christmas – Alfie’s laughter, his excitement over simple joys.

As investigations continue, this tragedy highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence – claiming an innocent boy’s life just before Christmas.

Alfie Hallett: a gentle soul with a heart of gold, gone far too soon. Rest in peace, little he