MADELEINE McCann's parents are set to be quizzed in court later this year in connection with their daughter's disappearance.

Kate and Gerry McCann, of Rothley, Leics, will face lawyers acting on behalf of the Portuguese detective who led the hunt for Madeleine.

They are suing former police chief Goncalo Amaral for more than £1million damages over claims he made about them.

Amaral, who believes Madeleine is dead, is due to call the McCanns in his bid to defend himself.

Last night the couple's


 lawyer Isabel Duarte said she expects the libel trial to take place this year.

She said: "It could be June or July but most likely September. He can call them if there are things they can contribute (to his case)."

Madeleine went missing during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May