Madeleine suspect Robert Murat back in Britain to see his five-year-old daughter

It is understood Mr Murat had not seen five-year-old Sofia since being named an official suspect in the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann almost a year ago.

Two weeks ago he informed police he wanted to visit the UK and see Sofia - and was allowed to do so. The fact that Portuguese authorities did not stand in his way suggests there is no evidence against Mr Murat.

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The move comes after the decision by police last month to return items of clothing and computers seized when he was made a suspect - or arguido - on 19 May, 16 days after Madeleine vanished from her parents' apartment in the resort of Praia da Luz in the Algarve.

Mr Murat's uncle, Ralph Everleigh, said: "Robert has been back to the UK for an emotional reunion with his daughter. He loves his little girl and has missed her so much this past year."

Mr Everleigh, who runs a guesthouse just outside Praia da Luz, said he thought Mr Murat was now on his way back to Portugal. Mr Murat was not available for comment today.

Mr Murat has always denied any involvement in Madeleine's disappearnce.

Despite searches of his mother Jenny's villa - about 150 yards from where Madeleine went missing - and forensic science tests on his car and other extensive inquiries, no evidence has been found to connect him to the disappearance.

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Mrs Murat, 42, who lives in Hockering, Norfolk, said in a recent interview that Sofia had become the subject of kidnap threats.

She said: "There are a lot of weird people out there and if something happens to one innocent child they think an eye for an eye. They want to harm another innocent child - my daughter. We are living in constant fear."

She has said she has "no doubt" of her estranged husband's innocence, adding: "All he wanted to do was help the McCanns."

Portuguese detectives will visit the UK on Monday to re-interview friends of Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, who were dining at a tapas bar when the girl vanished.

In September, the McCanns were also made arguidos before being allowed to return to their home in Rothley, Leicestershire. They also protest their innocence.