McCanns to return to Portugal

Kate and Gerry McCann to return to Portugal for Madeleine disappearance reconstruction

The parents of Madeleine McCann may return to Portugal for a reconstruction of the night their daughter disappeared.

Kate and Gerry McCann have reportedly been asked by police to go back to the holiday resort on the Algarve where Madeleine was snatched, along with friends who were with them at the time.

The reconstruction of the evening is set for the middle of next month – just days after the anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance.

Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns' spokesman, told reporters yesterday: 'Any requests made by Portuguese police via Kate and Gerry's lawyers are covered by Portuguese judicial secrecy and as a result I am not at liberty to discuss any details of any such proposals.

'However, Kate and Gerry would very much welcome a Crimewatch-style reconstruction, which is properly broadcast for millions of people to see and could generate important new leads.'

He added, however, that 'it's untrue to say that Kate and Gerry have been called back or summoned back'.

Friends of the couple insist they will not travel back to Praia da Luz until their arguidos status is lifted. One also said it will be difficult for Kate to go through with any reconstruction.

'Kate is upset,' a friend told The Telegraph. 'There's been no sense of concern for her feelings or the anguish it will cause her.

'On an emotional level she is not sure she can go through with it. The family will consider it. If it's felt that there’s a chance of it helping to find Madeleine then, of course, they will do it. But given it is a year on, you have to wonder about the value of it.'