Coimbra police arrest man suspected of multiple arsons

The Portuguese Judiciary Police (PJ) have arrested a 37-year-old man suspected of committing at least four arsons in Coimbra over the last two months. The most recent fires occurred last weekend in a forested area near the Avenida António Portugal and Avenida Elísio de Moura, specifically behind the District Command of the Public Security Police (PSP).

The suspect is also linked to an urban fire on September 27 in the garages of a construction site on Rua António Jardim, which caused estimated damages exceeding 20,000 euros. The PJ is currently investigating six separate arson inquiries in which the suspect is strongly indicated as the perpetrator. The operation involved collaboration with the Working Group for the Reduction of Ignitions in Rural Spaces, including members of the GNR and ICNF.

In a separate incident in Lisbon, the PSP increased its presence at the Colombo Shopping Centre following social media calls for an alleged “rebellion.” Authorities identified a group of 10 individuals linked to coordinated thefts during the event, with three individuals being taken to a police station after being found conducting a live stream in a sports store.