Prosecutors To Consider Madeleine Case

Portuguese police are going ahead with their case against the parents of Madeleine McCann.

Police papers outlining the evidence against Gerry and Kate McCann are expected to be passed to the Public Prosecutor later today.

Mr and Mrs McCanns, both 39, returned to the UK on Sunday, but can be recalled to Portugal with five days' notice.

Family spokesman Brian Kennedy said: "They are fine - they had a decent night's sleep and the twins slept soundly. They are holding up extremely well."

The prosecutor will then consider any charges against the couple over Madeleine's disappearance on May 3, Portuguese Chief Inspector Olegario Sousa said.

Sousa confirmed: "At the moment the inquiry is being prepared to be handed to the prosecutor in charge of the case. He will analyse it and after this he will make his decision."

Media reports, unconfirmed by police, have said that Portuguese officers have been preparing to make further searches.

They are still awaiting results from forensic tests carried out in the UK on samples taken from the McCanns' apartment in Praia da Luz and the hired car.

No bail conditions, travel restrictions or charges have been imposed on the couple who have been declared as "arguidos".

The couple do not know if, or when, the Portuguese police will call them back, although they say that they will continue to participate in the ongoing investigations.

(CD/SP)