Ex-Para Saves Family From Brazil Shooting

Picture Credit: Caters News

A family were saved from a favela shooting in Brazil when a former paratrooper reportedly drove on flat tyres to the nearest police station.

The veteran’s wife, Eloise Dixon, is being treated in hospital in Brazil after she was shot following a misunderstanding that meant her family entered a dangerous favela.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Dixon’s mother Hazel Dixon (76) said: “Maxwell is a very good driver and an ex-paratrooper.

“He's very, very good in an emergency. The gunman shot out the tyres, but apparently, he drove the car as fast as he could with four flat tyres to a safe area and to the nearest police station…it could have been so much worse.”​​ 

Eloise Dixon and her family were travelling in Angra dos Reis, a popular coastal holiday destination about 90 miles from Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday. 

According to local reports, the family were searching for water when a language misunderstanding meant they were directed to the dangerous neighbourhood of Agua Santa (Holy Water).

They said a bullet missed all of her major vessels and organs and she is recovering well. 

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are assisting the family of a British woman who has been hospitalised in Angra dos Reis, Brazil. Our staff remain in contact with the local authorities."

Authorities said a group approached the car at a favela and apparently told the family to get out and then opened fire.

A police statement said the woman was hit in the abdomen and was being treated in hospital.