British Man Released By Madeleine Cops
Updated: 08:11, Tuesday May 15, 2007
The British man being questioned in connection with the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been released by police in Portugal, Sky News has learnt.
Forensics experts and sniffer dogs were brought in to examine Robert Murat's villa, just 100 metres from where the four-year-old was abducted.
The Policia Judiciaria said two or three people were being questioned last night but stressed no-one had been formally arrested.
Mr Murat has become a regular sight in the village of Praia da Luz since Madeleine was snatched from her family's holiday flat 12 days ago.
He told reporters he had a daughter the same age as the missing girl who looked very similar to her.
Mr Murat made himself known to journalists on Friday, May 4, the day after Madeleine disappeared.
He lives with his mother Jenny, who is believed to own the house being searched.
She has been running a stall on the seafront appealing for information about Madeleine's disappearance.
Mr Murat, who described himself as half-Portuguese, said he was helping the McCanns as a translator.
But journalists became suspicious and went to the Portuguese police with their concerns last week.
Sunday Mirror journalist Lori Campbell reported Mr Murat to local officers as well as to the British Embassy and Leicestershire Police.
She said: "Basically he surfaced on Friday afternoon last week and was walking around as if he was somebody official.
"But when questioned about it, he was very vague about his position. He said he just volunteered to help the police with their investigation."
It is understood the search of Mr Murat's villa started at 7am on Monday and has included draining its swimming pool.
Madeleine was snatched from her bed on May 3 while her parents Gerry and Kate, from Rothley, Leicestershire, were dining in a tapas bar opposite their apartment.
The McCanns, who are both doctors, have pledged not to leave Portugal until Madeleine is returned to them.
A reward of more than £2.5m is being offered for information leading to her discovery.
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