Two 17‑year‑olds detained for arson at Costa da Caparica beach bar

On 16 June, a fire broke out at a former beach bar in the Costa da Caparica area of Almada, Portugal. Police Judicial (PJ) arrested a 17‑year‑old male and female after they were strongly suspected of starting the blaze with a lighter. The flames rapidly engulfed the pavilion, destroying most of the structure and causing damage estimated at several hundred thousand euros.

The response involved 23 firefighters from Cacilhas and Trafaria, supported by ten fire‑engine vehicles. After their first judicial interrogation, both suspects were placed in preventive detention, the maximum custodial measure.

The incident generated a significant local alarm but no injuries were reported.