Daniel Groom is being questioned by police

British gardener has been questioned by police over Madeleine McCann's disappearance.

Detectives spoke to Dan Groom, 30, after an email tip-off claimed that he was spotted lurking in an alleyway near the family's holiday apartment on the day she vanished.

The anonymous message claimed that the British expat looked similar to a man seen carrying a child away from the apartment on May 3. Police questioned Mr Groom, of Horsham, West Sussex, on Thursday, but said he had not been made a suspect.

Mr Groom, who lives on the outskirts of Praia da Luz, said he had not been to the Ocean Club complex since March 30. He claimed he was the victim of a smear campaign and that he was innocent.

Police are checking his claims that the email may have been sent maliciously.