Release of Madeleine file 'delayed'

It was hoped restrictions on the release of the file from the inquiry in Portugal, a move pressed for by her parents' legal team, would be lifted on Thursday.

But the Portuguese state attorney has announced a further three-month extension to the period of judicial secrecy, according to news agency Lusa.

It would mean Gerry and Kate McCann, named formal suspects in their daughter's disappearance, face a summer of uncertainty over what police have done to find their daughter.

The couple, from Rothley in Leicestershire, became so frustrated at the dearth of information on the inquiry that they urged anyone who came forward as part of the official investigation to contact them.

They had hoped that the police dossier would be made public this month.

According to Portugal's new penal code, the initial period of secrecy for an investigation now lasts eight months, at which point details of evidence and interviews can be made public.

It is understood this period is being interpreted by judges as eight months on from September 15 last year, the date the code was changed.

But the McCanns' lawyers have told them that the Portuguese authorities can grant two three-month extensions. It is thought this could leave the couple in the dark until November 15, when prosecutors must decide if they are charging them.

The couple's spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "We cannot comment on reports in Portugal that the judicial secrecy period has been extended by another three months as Kate and Gerry's legal advisors have yet to be officially informed of any such decision. However, if it's the case, it's clearly disappointing and Kate and Gerry's lawyers will of course continue to press for the opening of the police file."