The Fortaleza monster

Francisco Simao, the state medical examiner, said he had never seen such terrible violence inflicted before in his career.

The six dead men were identified as Manoel Joaquim Barros, Joaquim Fernandes Martins, Vitor Manuel Martins, Joaquim Silva Mendes, Antonio Correia Rodrigues and Joaquim Manoel Pestana da Costa.

Their bodies are due to be flown back to Portugal after the medical examination is complete.

In Portugal itself, Prime Minister Antonio Guterres has spoken of his "profound shock" at the crime.

Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso has for his part sent condolences to the dead men's families.

If Mr Guerreiro is convicted of the murders, he faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and extradition to Portugal, Brazilian police said.

In Brazil itself, local human rights groups have called for the beach club to be demolished and replaced by a monument to the victims.