McCann suspect appeals to police

Robert Murat's family say he needs to "rebuild his life"

Briton Robert Murat has said it is time for him to be cleared in the case of missing four-year-old Madeleine McCann.

Mr Murat, 33, says he has not heard from Portuguese detectives for two months and told the BBC the situation was "very, very difficult".

He was named an official suspect - or "arguido" - by police five months ago.

Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry McCann, of Rothley, Leics, are also official suspects. Madeleine vanished from Praia da Luz on 3 May.

'No evidence'

Mr Murat told BBC News: "It's been five months, my savings have gone, mum's doing what she can, and it's just very, very difficult."

ARGUIDO STATUS Officially a suspect Bestowed by police or requested by individual Right to remain silent Right to a lawyer Must report to police every five days

His relative, Sally Eveleigh, added: "There's no evidence against him, he hasn't seen his daughter for over five months, he has no finances now - all his savings have gone - and he needs to rebuild his life. His life is on hold."

Mr Murat's family are hopeful there will be a reassessment of his status following the appointment of a new head of the inquiry in Portugal.

Paulo Rebelo, the deputy national director of Portuguese police, replaces Goncalo Amaral, apparently removed for criticising UK police.

Arguido status means the police have more powers but it also gives more rights to the suspect.