A new detective will take over the hunt for missing Madeleine McCann this morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wall is replacing Andy Redwood - who is retiring.

Scotland Yard says a handover was taking place earlier this month and Kate and Gerry McCann have been informed.

Last week, detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann began interviewing 11 people considered witnesses and suspects in the seven-year mystery.

Seven of the number were believed to be 'arguidos', which means they are treated as formal suspects but have not been charged with a crime.

In Portuguese law, police can declare a suspect to be an arguido in order to ensure they cannot travel abroad and can be used as a pre-cursor to charging a suspect with an offence.

However, the status also gives the suspect the right to refuse to answer questions and secure legal representation.

A further four people are being interviewed as witnesses to the disappearance of Madeleine who vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in May 2007 while her parents Gerry and Kate were dining with friends nearby.

It is believed that one of the men police will question as a witness is Robert Murat, who was declared an arguido by Portuguese police in the initial investigation.

He was later cleared and won substantial libel payouts from several media organisations. Mr Murat says he is happy to help the investigation and has nothing to hide.

It is believed the interviews will be attended by detective chief inspector Nicola Wall, who has taken over this morning.