Gerry and Kate McCann's hope of being cleared over their daughter's disappearance appeared crushed today after they were reportedly named as prime suspects in a new police dossier. (Daily Mail Headline 'Police name Gerry and Kate McCann as top suspects' Thursday 3rd January 2008)
There had been hopes that the couple's status as official suspects could be lifted in coming days. But they may now remain under suspicion for years, after Portuguese detectives submitted an interim report to prosecutors.
Police are keeping to their theory that the McCanns could have accidentally killed three-year-old Madeleine and then disposed of her body.
Under new Portuguese laws - still largely untested - there had been a suggestion that files on the case could be made public today on the eight month anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance. The deadline prompted hopes the official suspects - or arguido - status could then be removed. But according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha, the Policia Judiciaria will hand over an interim report in which the McCanns remain at the centre of inquiries.
The dossier will also include the possibility Madeleine was abducted from the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on 3 May - adding to confusion in the case and reinforcing the view that Portuguese police have no real idea what actually happened to the girl.
The McCanns have been told by their lawyers they may have to go to the European Court of Human Rights to have their arguido status lifted.
The prospect of the case dragging on for years was reinforced today by the president of the National Union of Portuguese Judges.
Antonio Martins said: "The problem is that no-one knows what type of crime was committed. If it was homicide the investigation can only be shelved after 20 years, if it was kidnap 15 years."
