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Three quizzed in Madeleine hunt Three quizzed in Madeleine hunt
(about 3 hours later)
Police in Portugal searching for Madeleine McCann have questioned three people and searched a villa close to where the four-year-old was last seen.Police in Portugal searching for Madeleine McCann have questioned three people and searched a villa close to where the four-year-old was last seen.
It is believed one of those questioned was a British man, Robert Murat. Police say no-one has been arrested.It is believed one of those questioned was a British man, Robert Murat. Police say no-one has been arrested.
The villa he shares with his mother Jenny, 71, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, was searched for several hours. She denied they had done anything wrong.The villa he shares with his mother Jenny, 71, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, was searched for several hours. She denied they had done anything wrong.
Madeleine, of Rothley, Leicestershire, has been missing for 12 days.Madeleine, of Rothley, Leicestershire, has been missing for 12 days.
'Normal developments''Normal developments'
Chief Inspector Olegario Sousa confirmed more than one person had been taken to make statements at the police station in the town of Portimao on Monday, where the investigation is being co-ordinated.Chief Inspector Olegario Sousa confirmed more than one person had been taken to make statements at the police station in the town of Portimao on Monday, where the investigation is being co-ordinated.
He described the search at the villa, which is known as Casa Liliana, and the resulting questioning as a "normal development" in the case.He described the search at the villa, which is known as Casa Liliana, and the resulting questioning as a "normal development" in the case.
BBC correspondent Steve Kingstone said the fact no-one had been arrested indicated those being questioned were being treated as witnesses.BBC correspondent Steve Kingstone said the fact no-one had been arrested indicated those being questioned were being treated as witnesses.
The villa is owned by Jenny Murat and used by son RobertThe villa is owned by Jenny Murat and used by son Robert
He said the villa had been cordoned off by police overnight, with officers standing guard. The villa remains cordoned off, with officers standing guard.
The search of the property began at 0700 local time on Monday after Sunday Mirror journalist Lori Campbell had spoken to the British Embassy and the police about Mr Murat, who has become well known to journalists during the search for Madeleine.The search of the property began at 0700 local time on Monday after Sunday Mirror journalist Lori Campbell had spoken to the British Embassy and the police about Mr Murat, who has become well known to journalists during the search for Madeleine.
Mr Murat, formerly of Hockering, Norfolk, describes himself as half-Portuguese and told journalists he had been helping police with translation work during the investigation.Mr Murat, formerly of Hockering, Norfolk, describes himself as half-Portuguese and told journalists he had been helping police with translation work during the investigation.
"He was just too close to the investigation," Ms Campbell said.
"He was spending far too much time talking to the media and he was coming in and out of the apartments and speaking to us as if he was somebody official."
Mrs Murat, a former nurse, has lived in Portugal for 40 years and brought her son and daughter up in the country.Mrs Murat, a former nurse, has lived in Portugal for 40 years and brought her son and daughter up in the country.
'Well known''Well known'
When asked by the BBC on Monday why the villa was being searched, she replied: "I don't know why."When asked by the BBC on Monday why the villa was being searched, she replied: "I don't know why."
She then said she was "not allowed" to speak to reporters, before moving away.She then said she was "not allowed" to speak to reporters, before moving away.
Mrs Murat, believed to be a widow, has been running a stall on the seafront in Praia da Luz, appealing for information from the public about Madeleine's disappearance.Mrs Murat, believed to be a widow, has been running a stall on the seafront in Praia da Luz, appealing for information from the public about Madeleine's disappearance.
The family has a very good reputation and a very good name Catherine Roberts, friend of the Murat familyThe family has a very good reputation and a very good name Catherine Roberts, friend of the Murat family
Catherine Roberts, a friend of the family in Portugal, said: "Jenny is very well known around here - she has lived here most of her life.Catherine Roberts, a friend of the family in Portugal, said: "Jenny is very well known around here - she has lived here most of her life.
"And the family has a very good reputation and a very good name.""And the family has a very good reputation and a very good name."
Officers in white suits with facemasks were seen at the Murats' villa and in its grounds on Monday evening.Officers in white suits with facemasks were seen at the Murats' villa and in its grounds on Monday evening.
It is believed the search has included draining its swimming pool.It is believed the search has included draining its swimming pool.
'Concrete evidence''Concrete evidence'
Last week searches were scaled back in the area immediately around the holiday apartment where Madeleine was last seen on 3 May.Last week searches were scaled back in the area immediately around the holiday apartment where Madeleine was last seen on 3 May.
The focus had shifted to an international child abduction inquiry, amid suggestions she may have been taken out of Portugal.The focus had shifted to an international child abduction inquiry, amid suggestions she may have been taken out of Portugal.
Madeleine is believed to have been abducted while her parents were eating at a tapas bar.Madeleine is believed to have been abducted while her parents were eating at a tapas bar.
On Monday her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, who is originally from Glasgow, said they would not return to the UK until Madeleine was found safe and well. On Monday, her parents Kate and Gerry McCann said they would not return to the UK until Madeleine was found safe and well.
Mr McCann said the couple would continue to believe she was being cared for until they received "concrete evidence to the contrary". Mr McCann, who is originally from Glasgow, said the couple would continue to believe she was being cared for until they received "concrete evidence to the contrary".
Madeleine McCann disappeared on 3 MayMadeleine McCann disappeared on 3 May
He said they had drawn "tremendous strength from the warmth and the spiritual outpouring" the couple had received from around the world.He said they had drawn "tremendous strength from the warmth and the spiritual outpouring" the couple had received from around the world.
British ambassador to Portugal John Buck said there were "impressive resources" being devoted to the investigation and praised the "truly exceptional" collaboration between the Portuguese and British police.British ambassador to Portugal John Buck said there were "impressive resources" being devoted to the investigation and praised the "truly exceptional" collaboration between the Portuguese and British police.
Rewards totalling £2.5m have been offered to anyone with information leading to the safe return of Madeleine, who was four on Saturday.Rewards totalling £2.5m have been offered to anyone with information leading to the safe return of Madeleine, who was four on Saturday.
A "fighting fund" to which members of the public can donate to help in the search for Madeleine is also being set up by her family's lawyers.A "fighting fund" to which members of the public can donate to help in the search for Madeleine is also being set up by her family's lawyers.
The international number for Crimestoppers is +44 1883 731 336. People with information about Madeleine can call anonymously.The international number for Crimestoppers is +44 1883 731 336. People with information about Madeleine can call anonymously.