Madeleine's Parents To Sue For Libel

The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have confirmed they are suing a Portuguese newspaper that claimed they killed their daughter.

Lawyers for Gerry and Kate McCann have filed a libel suit against the Tal & Qual, claiming the article was defamatory, completely untrue and caused the couple suffering.

A statement said: "Kate and I have been deeply hurt by the report in Tal & Qual.

"We firmly believe that the report was speculative, defamatory and published despite official statements to the contrary, which is why we have instructed lawyers.

"We hope that this action will encourage responsible reporting in the future."

Last week the Tal & Qual paper carried a front-page headline that said "The police believe the parents killed Maddie".

It reported that the Policia Judiciaria thought Kate and Gerry McCann caused Madeleine's death, either in an accident or with a fatal dose of a drug.

Chief Inspector Olegario Sousa, the investigating officer, told Sky News: "We have said several times and I will reaffirm the McCanns are not suspects.

"They are victims and witnesses. I don't know where the paper got this information. It's not true.

"Newspapers always quote police sources. I have been quoted before when I have not said anything."

Four-year-old Madeleine was snatched from her bed in her family's rented holiday apartment in the village of Praia Da Luz.

Her parents were having dinner with friends in a nearby restaurant but say they made regular checks on her.

The McCanns, from Rothley, Leicestershire, have stayed on in Portugal ever since, desperate for news of her whereabouts.

Madeleine was due to have spent her first day at school yesterday.