The local man was helping Police with their enquiries and released without charge.

Police are keeping very tight lipped over their investigations but it was suspected that the man fit with descriptions of the suspect that was seen in part around the property where the little girl was staying.

Madeleine aged 3 has been missing from the holiday apartment in Praia De Luz, in the Algarve area of Portugal where her and her family have been staying since Thursday last week and Police have made numerous regular appeals for her safe return.

The child went missing during the evening while both her parents were dining out at a local restaurant. The door to her room was left open and her disappearance was noted by her grandfather who came back specifically to check that she was sleeping soundly but no sign has been seen of her ever since.

The family, who were due to leave the popular and quiet resort yesterday are remaining in Portugal for the foreseeable future while the immediate investigations continue.

Speculation that Madeleine opened the door herself to go and look for her parents have been dismissed after extensive searches of the immediate and surrounding areas have flagged up no further clues.

Police say that they are looking for a man who fits the description of someone who was seen around the area at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance. A Police photo-fit is expected to be released later today.