"It was with deep consternation that President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa learned of the road accident that resulted in the death of First Sergeant João Fernandes, a GNR officer, who was serving in the Faro Transit Detachment", reads a note published on the website of the Presidency of the Republic.

"At this moment of premature loss, his contribution, as a GNR officer, to the security of Portugal and the Portuguese should not be forgotten," he adds.

According to the note, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has already conveyed to the family of First Sergeant João Fernandes "the most sincere condolences, extended to friends, as well as to all GNR professionals".

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Eduardo Cabrita, also regretted the death of the GNR soldier on Saturday.

The accident occurred around 20:00 on Saturday, 6 November, on the road that gives access to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portimão, between a GNR motorcycle and a light passenger vehicle.

According to the statement, the accident caused one minor and one serious injury, respectively of the driver and passenger of the light passenger vehicle, as well as the death of the GNR officer.