Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, 95, denied being arrested at Portugal's Tires Aerodrome in Cascais after police stopped him for carrying a shotgun he intended to use in a clay pigeon shooting competition. The British businessman said he was questioned by four police officers and customs officials for about an hour after arriving from Switzerland. Ecclestone claimed he had to surrender the weapon as he lacked proper import documents, adding Portuguese police were 'very helpful' and rejecting reports of his arrest.

He stated he anticipated no problems as airport officials know him 'very well', having previously transported the shotgun from England to Switzerland. This marks the second time Ecclestone has encountered airport firearms issues, having been arrested in Brazil in 2022 for illegally carrying a gun while boarding a private plane to Switzerland, resulting in a 6,000 Brazilian reals (£1,000) fine.