Madeleine McCann's parents faked abduction, senior policeman claims

Kate and Gerry McCann faced former detective Goncalo Amaral across a courtroom as he tried to overturn a ban on his book that claims their daughter is dead.

One senior detective told the hearing in Lisbon police made the McCanns "arguidos", or suspects, after concluding Madeleine died accidentally and her parents covered up the death by inventing a kidnapping.

Chief Inspector Tavares de Almeida said he believed Madeleine died in her family's apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz on the day she went missing in May 2007.

He told the court the main evidence for this was the findings of British police sniffer dogs sent to Portugal to examine the flat.

The McCanns' lawyer, Isabel Duarte, challenged this claim, arguing the sniffer dog results did not constitute proof.

Mr and Mrs McCann, both 41, from Rothley, Leicestershire, are attending the trial at Lisbon's main civil court, which is listed for three days.

Mr Amaral is calling a series of senior Portuguese officials as witnesses to support him.

His lawyers argue the material in his book is contained in Portuguese police files, many of which were made public.

Jose Cunha de Magalhaes e Meneses, the public prosecutor in the Madeleine investigation, gave evidence via video link.

When asked whether he believed that the little girl was dead, he said it was "50-50".

Mr and Mrs McCann are not expected to give evidence.

Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing.

Mr and Mrs McCann were made "arguidos" four months later, but this was lifted in 2008.

The couple have always denied having any involvement in the disappearance their daughter.

The McCanns are seeking 1.2m euros (1.08m) in compensation for defamation in separate legal proceedings against Mr Amaral.

The case continues.