Madeleine police deny Robert Murat's girlfriend is a suspect

Tabloid 24 Horas reported that Michaela Walczuch was named an arguida - or official suspect - in November and that her alibi is still being investigated by Portuguese detectives.

But today Portuguese police officials denied the story and Mr Murat's lawyer Francisco Pagarete said only his client was an official suspect in the case.

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Briton Mr Murat, 34, became the first official suspect in Madeleine's disappearance in May and has remained a suspect since.

The girl's parents Kate and Gerry, both 39, from Rothley in Leicestershire, were named suspects in September over the child's disappearance from their holiday flat in Praia da Luz in the Algarve last May.

Their friends accuse Mr Murat of lying over his whereabouts on the night she vanished.

Madeleine: Missing since May

It had been claimed that Ms Walczuch, a 31-year-old German, gave evidence as a witness in November.

However, the 24 Horas newspaper said that shortly after she began giving her statement her status was changed.

Mr Pagarete, who has spoken on behalf of Ms Walczuch, told 24 Horas: "In the eyes of public opinion, they both became arguidos in a crime they did not commit. Neither of them is free of suspicion, with all the material and psychological damage that a dramatic situation like this implies. Somebody will have to pay for this."

Mr Pagarete added that Mr Murat will sue the Portuguese and British authorities. Madeleine was three years old when she vanished.