McCanns: we will take lie test
Updated on 21 September 2007
Madeleine McCann's parents say they are prepared to take a lie detector test to prove their innocence, friends have revealed.
Friends say the couple want to prove they have nothing to hide after being declared "arguidos" by Portuguese police.
The couple have returned to Britain after a four-month stay in Portugal and have been told that police do not have enough evidence to justify interviewing them again.
But they remain suspects and say they are determined to clear their names and continue the search for Madeleine who they believe may be still alive.
The McCann's have been under intense media scrutiny since their daughter disappeared, and have been criticised from some quarters for displaying a calm public persona.
Apparently they hope the test will eliminate remaining doubts. A friend said: "If they are asked to take a lie detector test by police they would.
"They have said all along that they want to cooperate fully with the Portuguese police, but as of today they have received no such request from the Portuguese authorities.
"Kate and Gerry are happy to do anything that will help clear their names."
Friends also revealed details which could form part of the McCann's defence if they are charged with causing Madeleine's death and disposing of her body.
It emerged this week that partial DNA matches found in the Renault Scenic hired by the family almost a month after her disappearance could potentially be explained by contact with Madeleine's clothes which were transported in it when they moved to a rented villa.
The car was also used on a daily basis to transport bag-loads of household waste including her younger siblings Sean and Amelie's nappies.
The couple believe its use as a "dumper truck" ferrying rotting meat, chicken carcasses and food scraps to nearby bins during the summer could also explain the excited reaction of specialist sniffer dogs when shown the car last month as part of a review of the case.
