Police investigating the disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann are considering the possibility of a British abductor.
Madeleine, from Leicester, disappeared from the family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Algarve, on Thursday night.
Her parents Gerry and Kate were eating dinner a short distance away and returned on a regular check to discover their daughter was gone.
Police have found evidence that she was abducted but have not disclosed details. On Monday newspaper Correio da Manha reported that police suspect a British captor.
Broadcaster RTP also interviewed Barra da Costa, a former inspector in the Judicial Police, PJ, who said that sources within the force believed that Madeleine's abductor could be from the UK.
He said that contacts in the investigation team had told him that a working description detectives are using suggested someone of English appearance.
He said there was also a feeling that the apparently meticulous planning, without leaving evidence, could also point to a British rather than Portuguese intruder.
Police have not commented but earlier, when asked specifically whether the suspect was British or Portuguese, the PJ refused to specify.
Experts have put together an artist's impression of a "suspect" but have not publicly revealed details. It is believed however, that the image shows only the rear view of a man - the back of his head and hair more than the features.
It was also reported on Monday that police are investigating a claim that a man was seen dragging a young girl along towards a marina in the nearby town of Lagos.
"Her parents were eating dinner a short distance away"; according to other earlier reports, the restaurant was 180 metres away. Is this a short distance? Don't get me wrong . I fully sympathise with the family and feel for their loss. However, my feelings are even more acute for the little girl. I do not condone with the act of kidnapping of anyone.
One has to asked," If this is a Spanish family, would it have happened?" You see, a Spanish family would have their child out to dinner with them. They would have no problems that their kids are out late with them. They would not have left their kids at home. However, a British couple wants to spend time on their own. They want "quality" time away from their kids. No matter that they had checked every half an hour interval. The fact of the matter is that their children were not supervised at all times. Disaster only takes a second to happen usually, and it did on this occassion. What I cannot understand is that both parents are doctors; one is a consultant cardiologist, and the other is a general practitioner. Surely, they could afford a childminder.
Living in UK, one of the things I dislike is that kids are not always welcomed in the restaurants; especially in the evening. It may be difficult to find a family -friendly restaurant at times. Why is that? Is it not possible to enjoy ourselves in our children's company? The Casual Philosopher is confused......
