British police failed to stop DNA evidence in McCann case from being made public

Cleared: After 10 months under a cloud of suspicion, Kate and Gerry McCann are to have their formal status as suspects lifted on Monday

Under the headline 'English in Portimao to Protect Secrecy', the newspaper Correio da Manha claimed two Leicestershire officers tried to stop information - including results of a DNA test on a sample from the McCanns' Renault Scenic hire car - from being made public.

Last year, the McCanns were the subject of allegations in the Portuguese press over DNA allegedly found in the boot of the car.

The couple hired the car almost a month after Madeleine, then aged three, vanished while on a family holiday in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz.

The McCanns, both 40, from Rothley Leicestershire, have always insisted that if such traces were found, there were wholly innocent explanations for it. They deny any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance.

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Some of the forensic testing was done at the Forensic Science Service laboratory in Birmingham for Leicestershire police.

Last night, Leicestershire police refused to discuss the details of a meeting between public prosecutor Jose Cunha de Magalhaes e Meneses and the officers.

The force confirmed that officers held discussions about how some evidence would be disclosed at the end of the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance, but refused to comment on the newspaper report.

Speculation is mounting that the McCanns will be officially cleared of having anything to do with their daughter's disappearance. They remain 'arguidos'- or formal suspects - but it is expected this status will be lifted next week.

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Portuguese police have already filed a report for prosecutors. It will advise lawyers to bring charges, request further inquiries or close the case.

On Wednesday, Fernando Jose Pinto Monteiro, Portugal's attorney-general, said: 'The Maddie Case will have a solution on Monday and you will hear of it.'