A seventy year old British man has been beaten and robbed in an assault that has shocked the quiet Ria Formasa town of Santa Luzia near Tavira.
The attack happened near the football ground and the victim was left in a serious condition.
Able to stagger for help despite severe head injuries, the man was helped by nearby caravanners who called emergency services for help.
The Biritsh man was able to tell police that he had been attacked by two men who had robbed and beaten him and stolen his carkeys.
The victim explained that he was a resident in Spain and frequently visited the Tavira area, especially the Ria Formosa as he was a keen birdwatcher.
The ambulance service took him to Faro hospital where he was said to be in a serious condition with a fractured skull was to be operated on last night.
