Kate and Gerry McCann have been formally cleared of any involvement in the disappearance of their daughter Madeleine.

Portugal's attorney-general Fernando Jose Pinto Monteiro announced the investigation into the toddler's disappearance has been shelved.

The announcement brings the 15-month inquiry to an end.

Mr and Mrs McCann, both 40, from Rothley, Leicestershire, are no longer "arguidos" or formal suspects as there is no evidence against them, prosecutors said.

But the investigation can be re-opened if new evidence comes to light.

Detectives handed over their lengthy final report at the start of this month for prosecutors to consider whether to bring charges, request further inquiries or close the case.

The McCanns have said they want their own private investigators to be given access to detectives' papers so they can continue the search for their daughter.

Their spokesman Clarence Mitchell later said lawyers acting for the couple will be able to examine the police files on Madeleine's disappearance by the end of the week.

Speaking at a press conference in Rothley, Mrs McCann said: "It is hard to describe how utterly despairing it was to be named arguidos and subsequently portrayed in the media as suspects in our own daughter's abduction.

"It has been equally devastating to witness the detrimental effect this status has had on the search for Madeleine."

The third suspect in the case, Algarve property consultant Robert Murat, also had his arguido status lifted.

Mr Murat said he was "very relieved" at the news but added: "There's a little girl still missing out there who needs to be found, so it's a time for relief but not for celebration."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.