A friend of Madeleine McCann's parents has hit back at "smears" about him in Portuguese newspapers.

Dr Russell O'Brien was among those dining with Kate and Gerry McCann on the night Madeleine went missing in Praia da Luz.

In recent days, Portuguese newspapers have printed various allegations about the 36-year-old.

Although it did not name the doctor, one paper included enough details to identify him clearly.

In a statement, Dr O'Brien and his wife Jane Tanner said: "These reports in the Portuguese press are completely untrue and extremely hurtful.

"We have spoken to the police today, and have been assured that our status as witnesses has not changed.

"We would like to request that the privacy of our family and our police testimony are respected by the media."

Portuguese police say there was no basis for the allegations about Dr O'Brien, who lives in Exeter.

On the night Madeleine disappeared, he left the table at around the time she is believed to have been snatched.

But it is understood he was looking after his young daughter, who had become unwell.

This is not the first time Portuguese papers have made damaging unconfirmed allegations.

The McCanns were forced to speak out after a series of reports suggesting they could be suspects.

The couple, from Rothley, Leicestershire, strongly denied the claims and insisted they would not be "bullied" into leaving Portugal.