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 5 | Version 6 |
---|---|
Madeleine McCann inquiry: Two suspects questioned | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Two suspects have been questioned by police in the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. | |
They left the central police station in Faro after they were interviewed by Portuguese police in the presence of Scotland Yard detectives. | |
A total of four "persons of interest" - or arguidos - will be quizzed in the latest development in the case. | |
The move comes as British detectives continue their investigation into Madeleine's disappearance in 2007. | |
She was three years old when she went missing in the resort of Praia da Luz in Portugal. | |
Portuguese citizens | |
Sources close to the investigation said the two suspects were interviewed by officers from the Policia Judiciaria. | |
A third person said to be suffering from severe schizophrenia is still believed to be in the police headquarters but has yet to be questioned. | |
It is not clear when the fourth individual will be interviewed. | It is not clear when the fourth individual will be interviewed. |
All of those being questioned are Portuguese citizens; one is believed to be of Russian origin. They have all been summoned to be interviewed - there have been no arrests. | |
The status of arguidos is peculiar to the Portuguese judicial system, referring to individuals whom police may reasonably suspect are linked to a crime. | |
Renewed activity | Renewed activity |
In June, Portuguese and British police searched three sites in Praia da Luz 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 scene | At the scene |
Jeremy Cooke, BBC News at Faro Police Station | Jeremy 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. |