A 34-year-old British woman was stabbed to death in the corridor of a Portuguese hotel, as her child reportedly watched on. 

The horror crime happened just after 6.30pm on Tuesday at the family-friendly Alfagar Alto Da Colina aparthotel resort in the Algarve town of Albufeira.

Police in protective suits were pictured taking photos of the crime scene at the four-star tourist establishment last night as it emerged the victim's partner had been arrested.

He was said to have been covered in blood when he was held when cops raced to the hotel and found the lifeless 34-year-old British woman who is understood to have been stabbed multiple times.

All efforts to revive her proved unsuccessful and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Overnight, grisly pictures emerged showing dried blood on one of the windows of a corridor at the hotel where the attack took place, appearing to show the marks the stab victim left as she tried to defend herself and her life ebbed away.

Portuguese police have confirmed the woman was a 34-year-old British national.

GNR police chief Joao Gaspar also said a man of the same age had been taken into custody following a 'hotel homicide.'

The couple were staying with a child who according to one report witnessed the stabbing. The youngster is believed to have been taken into temporary care.

The GNR police force which initially responded alongside other emergency responders including firefighters have yet to make any official comment.

Another police force, the Policia Judiciaria, has now been put in charge of the ongoing probe which has been categorised as a murder.

The suspect remained in police custody this morning and is due to appear before a judge expected to remand him in custody at a closed-court hearing later today or tomorrow.

The Alfagar Alto Da Colina describes itself online as an aparthotel resort with 'striking sea views' comprising 174 apartments divided into two buildings.

It says on its website: 'The apartments at Alfagar Alto da Colina are the ideal accommodation for families and couples looking for unparalleled services and facilities in Albufeira, within walking distance to the beach.'

It adds: 'Couples and families with children will find a wide range of leisure activities such as water slides for children, 4 swimming pools and an indoor pool, football facilities, tennis court, basketball, gym, as well as a playground and a variety of bars and restaurants designed to meet all tastes.

'Nearby you will also be able to enjoy all of Alfagar Resort's nearby facilities, with an even wider range of swimming pools, sports facilities and plenty of outdoor activities.'

It comes after last Tuesday a 'drunk' driver was arrested after allegedly mowing down several pedestrians in the packed Oura party strip in Albufeira as he tried to flee police attempting to stop him using his vehicle.

Polish-born Irish national Maja Lewecka, 18, was among those hurt along with a Spanish tourist and two cops.