Gerry and Kate McCann's latest appeal for help over their missing daughter Maddie was overshadowed yesterday by some tough questions from a Portuguese journalist.

The 41-year-olds were asked about allegations made in a book by Goncalo Amaral, the detective formerly in charge of the case.

The pair from Rothley, Leicestershire, denied there was a pact of silence over what happened in Praia da Luz in May 2007.

Mr McCann said later: 'The place to have those discussions is in the judicial and legal environment.'