A British man questioned by police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann was officially classed as a ''suspect'' today.

Robert Murat was questioned late last night while forensic experts searched his house just yards from where the four-year-old was snatched 12 days ago.

He was one of three people questioned by detectives in the town of Portimao.

All three were released overnight.

Mr Murat's mother, Jenny, who had set up a stall in Praia da Luz for anyone who did not want to talk to police but may have information to share it, also said her son had been released overnight and was staying with friends.

Mr Murat was reported to the police by a British journalist who was suspicious of his interest in the investigation.

A former property developer, Mr Murat had been working as a translator, assisting the McCanns with the language barrier during the days after Madeleine's disappearance.

The little girl was snatched from her bed where she was sleeping next to her two-year-old twin siblings, Sean and Amelie, while parents Gerry and Kate had dinner nearby.

There has been no news of Madeleine's whereabouts for 12 days but her parents said yesterday that they continued to believe she is safe and being looked after.