McCanns 'encouraged' by poll support

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The Correio da Manha poll found that 38.6% of those questioned still believe Kate and Gerry McCann were involved in their daughter's disappearance in the Algarve.

On the other hand, 30.7% thought the couple, from Rothley, in Leicestershire, were completely innocent.

This compares to an earlier poll run by the Portuguese newspaper in which 39.9% of people interviewed thought the couple were guilty and 26.8% believed they were not to blame.

It is a small change but the McCanns, still official suspects in the police investigation, believe the tide could be turning for them after 10 months of speculation and accusations.

Their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "It's encouraging to see that public opinion is shifting in Kate and Gerry's favour.

"People are right to believe that Kate and Gerry had nothing to do with their daughter's disappearance and are right to be sceptical of some of the coverage in recent months."

The poll came as the McCanns' private detectives were investigating another lead in their search for the little girl.

A British couple reportedly spotted a "package" being put onto a jet ski on a beach close to where Madeleine went missing in Praia da Luz.

Mr Mitchell said: "Detective agency Metodo 3 are looking at it and endeavouring to get to the bottom of it. The timing is potentially significant as is the placing."