Police to quiz McCann friends

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Officers are expected to arrive in Britain on April 7 but they will not interview the couple, whose four-year-old daughter Madeleine disappeared from the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3 last year.

Instead Portuguese detectives plan to sit in while officers from Leicestershire Constabulary interview their friends.

A spokeswoman for the British force said: "Leicestershire Constabulary will be coordinating the execution of the request for mutual legal assistance made by the Portuguese authorities.

"The Portuguese authorities have asked that the contents of the request and the way it is being executed be kept confidential so as not to prejudice their ongoing investigation."

It is almost 11 months since Madeleine disappeared from the holiday resort of Praia da Luz.

Kate and Gerry, both 39, from Rothley, Leics, remain arguidos - formal suspects - in the case.

Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns' family spokesman, said: "Kate and Gerry and their friends have long expected this visit by Portuguese police officers and it comes as no surprise that some reports in the Portuguese papers in the last few days have been speculating about the arrival date.

"I am not in a position to confirm any dates or give any details about the re-interviewing of the friends and all matters will have to go to Leicestershire police.

"However, Kate and Gerry and their friends welcome the police interviews. The friends are more than happy to co-operate fully, as are Kate and Gerry, although in this case Kate and Gerry will not be interviewed. This has not been requested but Kate and Gerry would have agreed to answer any questions had the police wished to put anything to them."