Portuguese police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after the remains of a three-year-old British-German boy were found in a burned-out car close to the body of his father, who is thought to have shot himself.
According to local media, the bodies were discovered on Sunday afternoon in mountains near the village of Santa Margarida da Serra, 100km (60 miles) south-east of Lisbon, in the Grândola municipality.
The pair are understood to have been reported missing a week ago after the father, who was German, picked his son up from his British mother, from whom he was separated.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed the boy’s death in a statement, adding: “Our consular staff have been in regular contact with the child’s family and local authorities since they were first reported to be missing, and we will continue to support them at this very difficult time.”
It offered no further details. Reuters contributed to this report
In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 and the domestic abuse helpline is 0808 2000 247. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the US, the suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 and the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org
