6 Brits attacked in one night at UK tourist hotspot as safety fears raised
Safety fears are mounting on the streets of a popular British holiday destination after six attacks on British tourists in a single evening. The assaults involved around 20 attackers - and mirror advice on from the UK Foreign Office about criminals 'working in teams' in the city.
The deteriorating security situation is prompting alarm among residents and business owners in a city centre in Portugal.
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During the early hours of Saturday morning, August 15, six tourists were attacked in Porto city centre, while just hours afterwards, a security guard was reportedly left with serious injuries after an assault involving a smashed glass bottle, local reports say.
Warnings are now being issued about the problem in the tourist destination, which welcomes approximately 3 million British visitors annually.
Sic Noticias reports that the Porto Bar Owners' Association says such violent episodes are occurring more and more. The group is demanding a stronger police presence on the streets.
The UK Foreign Office advises Brits in the city to be aware of the risk of street crime. Current guidance for Brits travelling there 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.
"Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo pages of your passport somewhere safe."
It advises UK travellers to ensure accommodation has adequate security. Lock all doors and windows at night and when you go out. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your tour operator or property owner, or contact the local police force.
The incidents of violence bar owners are raising concerns about reportedly takes place predominantly during night-time hours. As restaurants and outdoor terraces start to shut, groups of young people make their way to the city centre, local media in the country say.
According to accounts from business owners, they often go on to launch attacks, chiefly targeting foreign visitors, Sic Noticias reports.
In the early hours of Saturday, six tourists were attacked on Rua de Cândido dos Reis. The victims suffered minor injuries.
According to the Jornal de Notícias, the perpetrators are part of a group "long known" to the Public Security Police.
Expresso reports that this district of Porto is known for its bars and nightclubs, which remain open into the small hours and draw large crowds on a daily basis. 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, according to the news site.
The Police Professionals' Union is calling on the Government to recruit more officers. Expresso reports that the attacks occurred in the 'Galeria de Paris' district, well known for its abundance of bars.
Business owners in the area are demanding answers, with some private security personnel already refusing to work there, it is claimed.
According to JN, 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.
Four of those attacked were taken to Santo Antônio Hospital. The perpetrators were not identified, local reports say.
In the early hours of Saturday, at a bar on Rua de Cândido dos Reis, four security guards reportedly used force against a customer who had attacked two of them with a broken glass, according to local media. The security staff also received treatment at Santo Antônio Hospital, Expresso reports.
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, the capital.
Locals say around ten 9mm shell casings were found at the scene. There are no reports of victims being admitted to hospital.