Menu
15/05/2007
British man is suspect in Madeleine disappearance
A British man is being treated as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Portugal, it has been revealed.
Robert Murat was one of three people being questioned by police in connection with the four-year-old's disappearance earlier this month.
It has now been revealed that he has been given 'arguido' - or suspect - status. This means that he is considered to be a suspect by Portuguese police, but can remain free.
However, a person can request this process to be invoked, because of the rights it offers, such as access to a lawyer and the right to remain silent.
Mr Murat lives in a villa with his mother Jenny, 100 metres from where Madeleine was abducted.
Mrs Murat had been running a stall on the seafront on Praia da Luz, appealing for information about Madeleine's disappearance.
The villa, in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, was searched on Monday morning.
Mr Murat was one of three people who were questioned over the four-year-old's disappearance on Monday. It is understood that the others were a German woman and a Portuguese man. Portuguese police said that no one had been arrested or charged.
The search at the villa began after Lori Campbell, a journalist with the 'Sunday Mirror' spoke to both the local police and the British Embassy about Mr Murat.
Mr Murat, who describes himself as half-Portuguese, had told journalists that he was helping as a translator in the investigation.
Madeleine is believed to have been abducted from her family's holiday apartment, while her parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, were eating at a nearby tapas bar on May 3.
On Tuesday, her parents made a statement in which they said they are focusing on the hope that their daughter is alive.
The couple have pledged to remain in Portugal until Madeleine is found.
A close relative of Madeleine has pointed out a distinguishing feature of Madeleine's right eye, which has a pupil that extends into the iris.
The picture has been circulated in a poster with the banner 'Look into my eyes!' that is being distributed with the Crimestoppers telephone number.
A reward of more than £2.5 million has been offered for information leading to her discovery.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on the international number: +44 1883 731 336.
(KMcA/JM)
Robert Murat was one of three people being questioned by police in connection with the four-year-old's disappearance earlier this month.
It has now been revealed that he has been given 'arguido' - or suspect - status. This means that he is considered to be a suspect by Portuguese police, but can remain free.
However, a person can request this process to be invoked, because of the rights it offers, such as access to a lawyer and the right to remain silent.
Mr Murat lives in a villa with his mother Jenny, 100 metres from where Madeleine was abducted.
Mrs Murat had been running a stall on the seafront on Praia da Luz, appealing for information about Madeleine's disappearance.
The villa, in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, was searched on Monday morning.
Mr Murat was one of three people who were questioned over the four-year-old's disappearance on Monday. It is understood that the others were a German woman and a Portuguese man. Portuguese police said that no one had been arrested or charged.
The search at the villa began after Lori Campbell, a journalist with the 'Sunday Mirror' spoke to both the local police and the British Embassy about Mr Murat.
Mr Murat, who describes himself as half-Portuguese, had told journalists that he was helping as a translator in the investigation.
Madeleine is believed to have been abducted from her family's holiday apartment, while her parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, were eating at a nearby tapas bar on May 3.
On Tuesday, her parents made a statement in which they said they are focusing on the hope that their daughter is alive.
The couple have pledged to remain in Portugal until Madeleine is found.
A close relative of Madeleine has pointed out a distinguishing feature of Madeleine's right eye, which has a pupil that extends into the iris.
The picture has been circulated in a poster with the banner 'Look into my eyes!' that is being distributed with the Crimestoppers telephone number.
A reward of more than £2.5 million has been offered for information leading to her discovery.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on the international number: +44 1883 731 336.
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2014
Police To Re-Interview First Suspect In Madeleine McCann Disappearance
Detectives investigating the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann plan to re-interview Robert Murat, who was once considered a suspect by Portuguese Police. According to reports British police are travelling to Portugal to participate in interviews with 11 people, two of which are understood to be Mr Murat and his wife.
Police To Re-Interview First Suspect In Madeleine McCann Disappearance
Detectives investigating the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann plan to re-interview Robert Murat, who was once considered a suspect by Portuguese Police. According to reports British police are travelling to Portugal to participate in interviews with 11 people, two of which are understood to be Mr Murat and his wife.
07 August 2007
McCanns Insist 'Madeleine Is Still Alive'
The parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann have said that they believe their daughter will be found alive. Madeleine's father Gerry McCann told reporters that he and his wife Kate were "not naive" but said that Portuguese police had assured them that they were looking for the four-year-old alive.
McCanns Insist 'Madeleine Is Still Alive'
The parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann have said that they believe their daughter will be found alive. Madeleine's father Gerry McCann told reporters that he and his wife Kate were "not naive" but said that Portuguese police had assured them that they were looking for the four-year-old alive.
15 July 2008
Robert Murat Wins Damages From Newspapers
Robert Murat has settled a claim for damages against 11 UK newspapers and will receive a written apology in each over allegations he was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The libel settlement is valued at around £550,000. Mr Murat is still an official suspect in Portugal.
Robert Murat Wins Damages From Newspapers
Robert Murat has settled a claim for damages against 11 UK newspapers and will receive a written apology in each over allegations he was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The libel settlement is valued at around £550,000. Mr Murat is still an official suspect in Portugal.
17 May 2007
'Red van' sought in Madeleine case
Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are trying to trace a red Ford van with fake number plates, it has been reported. According to Sky News, the van is being sought after a girl who matched Madeleine's description was spotted in Lisbon.
'Red van' sought in Madeleine case
Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are trying to trace a red Ford van with fake number plates, it has been reported. According to Sky News, the van is being sought after a girl who matched Madeleine's description was spotted in Lisbon.
16 May 2007
Brown offers help in Madeleine McCann case
Chancellor Gordon Brown has told relatives of missing Madeleine McCann that he will help "in any way he can" in the search for the missing girl. Mr Brown made the offers after some relatives of the four-year-old went to Westminster to lobby MPs for support. Madeleine's aunt, Philomena McCann said that Mr Brown had been "extremely helpful".
Brown offers help in Madeleine McCann case
Chancellor Gordon Brown has told relatives of missing Madeleine McCann that he will help "in any way he can" in the search for the missing girl. Mr Brown made the offers after some relatives of the four-year-old went to Westminster to lobby MPs for support. Madeleine's aunt, Philomena McCann said that Mr Brown had been "extremely helpful".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
