Red tape could delay questioning of McCanns until after Christmas

Police questioning of Gerry and Kate McCann over the disappearance of their daughter Madeleine could be delayed until after Christmas.

Portuguese detectives are ready to fly to the UK and have prepared letters with questions the couple and their seven holiday friends must answer.

It had been thought the interviews by British police with Portuguese officers sitting in could begin this week. But they are being held up by a mass of red tape.

The questions must be approved by the Portuguese public prosecutor, who will spend a week considering possible changes. They will then go to the investigating judge for authorisation before being translated.

Finally, the questions must be approved by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. (Daily Mail)