THE mother of missing Madeleine McCann last night made a desperate appeal for her abductors not to hurt the girl.

The plea came as speculation surfaced that the abductor - or abductors - might be British.

Fighting back tears, Kate McCann begged those holding the "funny and caring" three-year-old to let her go free.

Speaking at Praia da Luz, on the Algarve, she called for anyone holding her daughter to put her in a "place of safety".

With her husband, Gerry, beside her, she said: "We would like to say a few words to the person who is with our Madeleine, or has been with Madeleine.

"Madeleine is a beautiful, bright, funny and caring little girl.

"She is so special. Please, please, do not hurt her.

"Please do not scare her, please let us know where to find Madeleine or put her in place of safety and tell somebody where.

"We beg you to let Madeleine come home."

She added: "Please give our little girl back."

Mrs McCann then repeated this in Portuguese.

Mrs McCann's plea came on the fifth day of her family's nightmare ordeal after Madeleine was snatched from their holiday apartment.

Madeleine disappeared as she was left with her brother and sister, two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie.

Her parents regularly checked on them as they dined in a restaurant nearby.

Police said they have found evidence she was abducted but have not disclosed any details.

There was speculation in the Portuguese media that police suspect a Briton or Britons may be behind the abduction.

Broadcaster RTP interviewed Barra da Costa, a former inspector in the Judicial Police, PJ, who said the force believed that her abductor may be from the UK.

He said investigators told him that a working description of the suspect being used by detectives suggested someone of English appearance.

It was also reported yesterday that police were investigating a claim that a man was seen dragging a girl along towards a marina in the nearby town of Lagos.

Around the marina at Lagos, which was busy with British tourists yesterday, bars and restaurants were displaying photographs of Madeleine to jog customers' memories.

* Last night, police said they were unable to offer Madeleine's family a firm assurance that sheis still alive.

However, at a press conference, Chief Inspector Oligeario Sousa said everything was being done to find her.

Speaking of the McCann's pain, he said: "What they are feeling now I can't imagine. I am a father too, all the police, we are fathers and mothers.

"It is probably pain with no measure they are feeling.

"I want to assure the family and all the people involved that the professionals are doing the best they can."