Russian questioned in Madeleine case

Police in Portugal are investigating computer links to the key suspect in the Madeleine McCann abduction case today.

Police in Portugal are investigating computer links to the key suspect in the Madeleine McCann abduction case today.

Last night they raided the home of IT expert Sergey Malinka, who designed a website for Anglo-Portuguese man Robert Murat in the village of Praia Da Luz.

Mr Murat, whose home just yards from the spot where Madeline was abducted two weeks ago, was named this week as the first suspect in the case.

Kate and Gerry McCann leave church in Praia Da Luz, Portugal yesterday
Kate and Gerry McCann leave church in Praia Da Luz, Portugal yesterday

Last night, after spending two hours inside Mr Malinka's home, officers emerged carrying two hard drives, a laptop and a black bin bag full of items.

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Mr Malinka, a Russian who lived in the town for around seven years, was brought out by the detectives and driven off. He was driven to the headquarters of Portugal's Policia Judiciaria (PJ) for questioning.

Mr Murat, who strenuously denies any involvement in Madeleine's abduction, was taken in for questioning by the PJ two nights ago before being released.

While he was being questioned, police were searching his mother's house just a short distance from where Madeleine was snatched. Among items said to have been removed was a computer and other communications equipment.

Tomorrow it will be two weeks since Madeleine, four, was snatched from her bed in her parents' holiday apartment. Her parents remain convinced she is still alive and are set to remain in Portugal for the foreseeable future.

The McCann family held a private prayer service in the village church in Praia da Luz yesterday.