Kate McCann was named an "arguida" on Friday morning before undergoing questioning during which she was asked if she accidentally killed Madeleine.

Her husband Gerry was also given the legal status of a suspect during questioning on Friday night.

Gerry McCann left a Portuguese police station early on Saturday after being quizzed by detectives amid fears his wife will be charged with killing their daughter.

He walked out of the regional headquarters of the Policia Judiciaria - Portugal's CID - at 12.10am after undergoing nearly eight hours of questioning.

Earlier his wife Kate endured being asked directly by detectives whether she accidentally killed four-year-old Madeleine.

Mrs McCann has been warned by her lawyer that she could be charged over her daughter's death.

During her questioning, detectives suggested that traces of Madeleine's DNA were found in the family's hire car, a silver Renault Scenic that they are still using but did not lease the vehicle until 25 days after her daughter disappeared.

Portuguese detectives appear to be working on the theory that Mrs McCann killed her daughter by accident and covered up the death by claiming she was abducted.

Mr McCann's alleged role is not clear, but sources said police believe he was an accessory to the killing.

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