This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28101400

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Madeleine McCann suspects questioned by Portugal police Madeleine McCann suspects questioned by Portugal police
(about 2 hours later)
A number of suspects are being questioned by police in Portugal over the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, the BBC understands. Four suspects are being questioned by police in Portugal over the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, the BBC understands.
They have been identified as suspects by British police and were due to attend a police station in the Algarve region "of their own free will". They had been identified as suspects by British police and attended a police station in Fargo "of their own free will".
British police will sit in on the questioning but only Portuguese officers will ask questions. British police are sitting in on the questioning, but only Portuguese officers are asking questions.
Madeleine was three years old when she went missing in Praia da Luz in 2007.Madeleine was three years old when she went missing in Praia da Luz in 2007.
'Arguidos''Arguidos'
It is unclear exactly how many people will be questioned, but the BBC was told two weeks ago that up to eight people may be quizzed. Sources close to the investigation say that two Arguidos - or people of interest - were interviewed on Tuesday by officers from the Polícia Judiciária in the presence of detectives from Scotland Yard and have now left the central police station.
All are Portuguese nationals, although some of those being interviewed are Russian-born. A third person said to be suffering from severe schizophrenia is still believed to be in police headquarters but has yet to be questioned.
They will be made "arguidos" - people of interest - after they meet police. It is not clear when the fourth individual will be interviewed.
The first person will go to a police station on Tuesday in either Portimao or Faro. The interviews will take place over two or more days. All of those being questioned are Portuguese citizens, one is believed to be of Russian origin.
Renewed activityRenewed activity
The status of Arguidos is peculiar to the Portugese judicial system. It refers to individuals who police may reasonably suspect are linked to a crime.
Earlier in June, Portuguese and British police searched three sites in the Praia da Luz resort, but found no evidence relating to the case.Earlier in June, Portuguese and British police searched three sites in the Praia da Luz resort, but found no evidence relating to the case.
Scotland Yard said at the time that "more activity" had been agreed with Portuguese police and the searches were the "first phase" of a major investigation. Scotland Yard said at the time that "more activity" had been agreed with Portuguese police and the searches were the "first phase" of a major investigation
At the sceneAt the scene
Jeremy Cooke, BBC News at Faro Police StationJeremy Cooke, BBC News at Faro Police Station
Outside the Policia Judiciaria headquarters in Faro a small group of reporters and TV crews is gathered on the pavement.Outside the Policia Judiciaria headquarters in Faro a small group of reporters and TV crews is gathered on the pavement.
There is little sign of activity inside the unassuming white-rendered building, which is set in a quiet cobbled street.There is little sign of activity inside the unassuming white-rendered building, which is set in a quiet cobbled street.
But it is believed that, just before 09:00 local time, the first of several suspects in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann arrived to be questioned.But it is believed that, just before 09:00 local time, the first of several suspects in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann arrived to be questioned.
Several suspects or "arguidos" have been identified following the latest investigations by Scotland Yard detectives.Several suspects or "arguidos" have been identified following the latest investigations by Scotland Yard detectives.
Each is expected to appear voluntarily before police in the coming days. The interviews will be conducted by Portuguese police officers with British detectives observing proceedings.Each is expected to appear voluntarily before police in the coming days. The interviews will be conducted by Portuguese police officers with British detectives observing proceedings.
Sources close to the case in Portugal told the BBC that at least one of the arguidos is of Russian extraction.Sources close to the case in Portugal told the BBC that at least one of the arguidos is of Russian extraction.
The searches were the most significant in the local area since Madeleine went missing seven years ago.The searches were the most significant in the local area since Madeleine went missing seven years ago.
Her parents had been at a restaurant near their apartment when the three-year-old went missing.Her parents had been at a restaurant near their apartment when the three-year-old went missing.
The developments come after the Met launched Operation Grange - a fresh investigation into Madeleine's disappearance - last July.The developments come after the Met launched Operation Grange - a fresh investigation into Madeleine's disappearance - last July.