Dude, an Irishman drove off in my ambulance

On the increasingly wild Portuguese Algarve, where rioting is taking place nightly, the theft of the ambulance ranks as one of the more bizarre episodes.

When police tracked down the missing vehicle, they found an Irishman at the wheel. He had, police said diplomatically, a very high alcohol reading. The incident took place at 3.30am yesterday in the resort of Portimao. The ambulance crew, on a late-night call, eft their vehicle and entered a building.

They left the keys in the ignition and it appears the passing Irish tourist thought at the time it might be a good idea to go for a joyride through the still busy streets of the resort.

But the ride lasted only minutes as police were alerted and stopped the vehicle just 200 yards from where the theft took place.

The man was detained and was still in custody late yesterday evening. His arrest was announced by police in Lisbon tracking disturbances connected to Euro 2004.

There have been dozens over the last couple of days. Nearly 40 people, mostly English, have been detained following two nights of rioting in resort of Albufeira.

An Irish tourist was one of 11 people injured during rioting by English fans early on Tuesday morning.

The man was caught up in the violence that erupted outside La Bamba on The Strip in the resort. His injuries are not serious.

Up to 200 mostly English fans clashed with riot police. Fourteen people were arrested and 11 injured, seven English, one Irish, one Scottish, a Portuguese and a police officer. Those arrested yesterday appeared in court charged with causing a public disturbance.

The 12 Englishmen and one Russian face immediate deportation. A further 34 people, mostly English, were arrested early yesterday after a second night of violence in the same resort.

Bottles and chairs were thrown at police outside the bars and restaurants of the Strip. Police said up to 400 people were involved.

Oh, and “Gajo onde está minha ambulancia” means “Dude, where’s my ambulance?”