The man who is the police suspect in the case of the abduction of Madeleine McCann has been reported as saying he is simply a scapegoat, telling Sky News “This has ruined my life and has made things very difficult for my family here and in Britain.”
Robert Murat,a former British property developer, a German woman and a Portuguese man were interviewed by police until late Monday night then released, a source close to the investigation said.
Although Mr Murat has not been charged and is not believed to be in custody, it is thought he is the first person to be formally classed as a suspect.
In the UK, there have been reports of police activity in Warwickshire in connection with the investigation.
Warwickshire Police said in a written statement that they were “assisting Leicestershire Constabulary with an investigation”.
A spokeswoman for the Leicestershire force said: “We have been working closely with the Portuguese authorities since Madeleine went missing.
“Since that time we have undertaken a number of inquiries on their behalf, and this has included taking statements.
“This all forms part of the Portuguese investigation and it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
Madeleine was snatched from her bed on May 3 while her parents were dining nearby. There has been no news of her whereabouts since.
Mr Murat had told journalists he had been helping police as a translator and Sunday Mirror reporter Lori Campbell reported him to officers as a possible suspect.
