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Kate McCann's has been warned by her lawyer that she could be charged today over her daughter's disappearance.
A family friend said Madeleine's mother has been made a formal suspect in the case.

Kate is back at police stationPortuguese police suggested to Mrs McCann that traces of Madeleine's blood were found in a car the family hired 25 days after the girl went missing, the friend added.

It is thought Kate is being asked more questions linked to the DNA tests on samples taken from the car.

During questioning yesterday, detectives suggested that traces of Madeleine's blood were discovered in the vehicle.

Mrs McCann told them there was "no way" her daughter's blood could have been found inside the car and she continues to protest her innocence, the friend said.

Her lawyer, Carlos Pinto de Abreu, has told her she could be charged in connection with her daughter's disappearance.


Crowd outside the police stationThe McCann family spokesperson Justine McGuiness said: "The police are treating Kate as if she is involved in the death of her daughter.

"That suggestion hasn't been put to Gerry, so they are treating them differently.

"It is a ridiculous suggestion."

A large crowd whistled and shouted as Kate arrived back in Portimao.

Mrs McCann was greeted by a huge crowd of journalists, locals and holidaymakers, many of them whistling and shouting at her.

One British tourist shouted: "We believe you, Kate." But there were apparent jeers from other people in the crowd.


Madeleine went missing on May 3Madeleine's mother has been made an "arguida", a formal suspect, in the case, according to her friend.

An arguida receives more protection under Portuguese law, including the right to remain silent in formal interviews.

Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said: "The police are doing this so they can ask her a list of 22 questions about the night Madeleine disappeared."

"There are specific questions they need to ask and they can only do that if she is a suspect."

The friend added: "She is shocked and surprised in several ways. First of all that such an accusation could be made against her.

"And obviously she is concerned that such a line of investigation can become a distraction from further attempts to find Madeleine."

Gerry McCann is due to be re-interviewed at 2pm.

sky news