Manhunt underway across central Portugal after woman stabbed in Leiria

Police have launched a manhunt* after a woman was stabbed in the underground car park of a shopping centre in Leiria today, with her alleged attacker fleeing the scene in a taxi.

The victim is believed to have been attacked by a man with whom she was reportedly in a ‘romantic relationship’, explains CNN Portugal.

The stabbing occurred at around 1.15pm in the underground parking area of LeiriaShopping.

Emergency crews treated the woman at the scene before transferring her to Leiria Hospital. Her condition has not yet been disclosed.

According to initial reports, the suspect fled immediately after the attack, triggering a major police operation across the Leiria region.

The PSP is searching for the individual, and is expected to seize his car, which remains parked at the shopping centre.

Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage that reportedly captured the couple inside the shopping centre before the stabbing.

Police believe the recordings could provide important evidence as they work to establish the circumstances leading up to the attack.

Authorities have not yet announced any arrests, and the motive for the stabbing remains under investigation.

The case is being treated as an alleged incident of domestic violence, pending the outcome of the investigation.

*Update: The man has reportedly been located, in Lisbon. Investigations are continuing.

Source: CNN Portugal

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.