Police fly in for Tapas Seven quiz

The detectives' flight from Faro landed at East Midlands Airport where they were met by British officers and escorted through a private exit.

They will observe interviews carried out by officers from Leicestershire Constabulary with friends of the McCanns - the so-called Tapas Seven - who were dining with them in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz last year when the McCann's daughter Madeleine disappeared.

The team, led by Paulo Rebelo, who is heading the Madeleine McCann case, will not actually question the group themselves.

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Constabulary said the group would be interviewed as witnesses and are free to leave at any time. No lawyers will be present.

It is believed the interviews will take place at the force's headquarters in Enderby.

The McCanns, from Rothley, Leicestershire, will not be questioned in relation to the disappearance of Madeleine.

Their spokesman Clarence Mitchell said the couple welcomed the interviews and were happy to be reinterviewed, but a request had not been made by Portuguese detectives.

There had been speculation that diaries and Madeleine's Cuddle Cat toy could be seized by Portuguese officers, but it is understood that no property will be searched or seized.

The process of interviewing key witnesses will last several weeks, but the Portuguese detectives are believed to be returning home at the end of the week.