Six British tourists were attacked in Porto city centre in the early hours of Saturday, August 15, by a group of around 20 people, according to local media. The incidents have prompted safety fears and calls for a stronger police presence in the popular holiday destination, which welcomes approximately 3 million British visitors annually.
Attacks in Porto city centre
The assaults occurred on Rua de Cândido dos Reis, a street known for its bars and nightclubs. The victims suffered minor injuries, and four of them were taken to Santo Antônio Hospital. The perpetrators were not identified, local reports say.
Just hours after the attacks on the tourists, a security guard was reportedly left with serious injuries after an assault involving a smashed glass bottle. According to Expresso, the attack on the security guard happened at a bar on the same street, where four security guards used force against a customer who had attacked two of them with broken glass. The security staff also received treatment at Santo Antônio Hospital.
Rising violence and calls for action
The Porto Bar Owners' Association says such violent episodes are occurring more and more, and is demanding a stronger police presence on the streets. The Police Professionals' Union is also calling on the Government to recruit more officers.
According to Sic Noticias, business owners report that the violence predominantly takes place during night-time hours, as restaurants and outdoor terraces shut and groups of young people make their way to the city centre. They often go on to launch attacks, chiefly targeting foreign visitors.
UK Foreign Office advice
The UK Foreign Office advises Brits in the city to be alert to the risk of street crime. Current guidance states: "Be alert to the risk of street crime. Take care on public transport and at crowded bus and tram stops. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Look after your passport, money and personal belongings when travelling, checking in luggage at the airport or arranging car hire."
It also advises travellers to ensure accommodation has adequate security, lock all doors and windows at night, and to contact the local police force if concerned about security.
According to Jornal de Notícias, the initial violence broke out on Friday at 9pm, when a group of English tourists was approached and pursued between Santa Teresa and Cândido dos Reis streets by people attempting to sell them pressed bay leaves as hashish. The group of assailants numbered around twenty people. Expresso reports that the perpetrators are part of a group "long known" to the Public Security Police.
Authorities are continuing to probe both incidents, though there is no evidence to suggest any connection between the attack on the security guard and the attacks on the six tourists. Business owners in the area are demanding answers, with some private security personnel already refusing to work there. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the country, authorities are investigating a shooting that took place at 7am on Saturday near the Barrio Latino nightclub in Santos, Lisbon. Locals say around ten 9mm shell casings were found at the scene, with no reports of victims admitted to hospital.
