Many people criticised the Portuguese police operation.

Few people in Rothley actually know the McCanns as the family had moved to the Leicestershire village not long before Madeleine's disappearance in May.

But the naming of the McCanns as formal suspects in the disappearance of their daughter has been met with amazement and some anger.

Mother-of-two Lynn Preston, 46, said, "It just looks like the Portuguese police are clutching at straws. They appear to have no idea what's happening."

"I feel absolutely devastated for the McCanns. I can't imagine what they are going through. I think people here feel the Portuguese police are not as professional as our

own. There's a feeling of disbelief," she said.

Emma Pattison, 36, who has a three-year-old daughter, said, "I don't believe

it, I can't believe and I won't believe it. I don't think they would have put themselves in the firing line."

Grandfather Michael Westbury, 68, said, "I think people are pretty amazed. With their background and jobs, I can't picture them killing anybody. That's the general feeling here.''