The need for a full murder inquiry into the death of Fife soldier Darren Lackie while on holiday in Portugal is “indisputable,” his distraught father has claimed.
Graham Lackie spoke out following fresh news of the apparent brutal slaying of a UK citizen in the same resort.
Ian Haggath (50), from Gateshead, was found dead in a pool of blood just yards from his hotel in Albufeira.
The discovery of his badly battered body comes less than two months after Black Watch squaddie Darren Lackie died during what should have been a relaxing sun-kissed break with his girlfriend Ashleigh.
However, the dream turned into a nightmare when Afghan-veteran Darren was found dead in the street, with a serious head injury.
The authorities initially suggested the Cupar soldier had died following a drunken fall.
His family’s suspicions were raised when medical records showed he had not been drinking heavily prior to his death.
However, there were traces of barbiturates in his blood, prompting Graham to suggest he had been drugged, robbed and then killed.
Items including Darren’s iPhone have never been traced.
Graham admits that the killing of Mr Haggath though tragic has given him fresh hope.
“This latest case is almost identical to Darren’s death,” he said.
“I understand that Darren’s case is now in the hands of the top tier of the Portuguese police and I feel they are pretty close to starting a full murder inquiry.
“As soon as I heard about the latest killing I thought it could impact on Darren’s case.
“Of course I never wanted it to take another death to spur the police on but I do believe there could be a link.
“Maybe if Darren’s death had been investigated properly in the first place a life could have been saved.”
Graham has also been in contact with Dubliner David Hoban, who was attacked by a gang of youths just a few days after Darren’s death.
He said, “I was speaking to the Irish guy and he described how a big squad of soldiers were out there on a stag weekend.
“A couple of them got split up from the main group and one was then given a really bad kicking.
“Just getting mugged is bad enough but in my mind we are dealing with two murders now.
“Both David and the guy from Gateshead were assaulted by four people, one of whom had ginger hair. That is a big link.
“Obviously the big difference between what happened to them and what happened to Darren is the lack of eye witnesses in Darren’s case.
“However, I do think the need for a full murder inquiry is now indisputable.”
A statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised Britons to be aware of possible attacks in Albufeira.
“We have updated our travel advice to warn against the possibility of violent attacks and are in contact with the police and local authorities,” it said.