Police to re-interview McCann's friends

Updated 21.07 Mon Oct 22 2007

Keywords: Madeleine McCann

Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are to re-interview the friends who were with her parents on the night she vanished.

Within the next few days Portuguese officers will travel to the UK to question the seven people who dined with Kate and Gerry McCann at the holiday resort tapas bar.

The McCanns insist that Madeleine, four, was abducted while they ate at a nearby Tapas bar

It is reported the interviews will be conducted using questions written by the Portuguese detectives.

Their inquiries have been supported by police in the UK, led by the force in the McCanns' home county of Leicestershire.

The McCanns insist that Madeleine, four, was abducted while they ate at a nearby tapas bar with friends Rachael and Matthew Oldfield, Jane Tanner and her partner, Russell O'Brien, David and Fiona Payne, and Mrs Payne's mother, Dianne Webster.

Meanwhile, Kate McCann has made no decision over a return to work, or a possible new career, according to a spokesman for the family.It was reported on Monday that she wants a new career in child welfare.

But family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "No decision has been taken. Kate has not been approached or been in touch with any particular children's charity."

Mrs McCann, who remains an official suspect, worked as a part-time GP before her daughter's disappearance on May 3.

She has previously said that she was unable to contemplate working again while Madeleine remained missing.