Madeleine police deny Robert Murat's girlfriend is a suspect

This Is London 7/01/08: 11.22am

This Is London

"A claim that the lover of Madeleine McCann suspect Robert Murat had herself been made a suspect in the case was denied today.

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."

"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."

I hear that Mr Max Clifford is waiting in the wings to aid Robert Murat once Murat's arguido status is lifted!