THE tormented parents of Madeleine McCann reacted in fury last night to new claims that DNA evidence backs the theory they killed her.

Portuguese newspaper Correio Da Manha reported that blood specks in their hire car and behind a sofa in their holiday apartment could only have come from Maddie, four.

Until now, forensic tests had been thought inconclusive.

Now it is being claimed new and "definitive" results from Britain support the police theory that Maddie was killed in the apartment and her body moved in a car hired 25 days AFTER she vanished.

Ordeal ... Kate and Gerry after Maddie vanished

The paper said cops had reconstructed what happened to the tot, who disappeared on May 3 while on holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, with parents Kate and Gerry.

But McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "These reports are very distressing for Kate and Gerry.

Rumour

"They are depressed that again wild rumour and speculation is being presented as fact.

"As for the supposed DNA testing, which police officer has said this' Which official source is named and quoted' None - as usual.

Missing ... Maddie

"It is ridiculous to suggest Madeleine's blood was in the car because she was never in it. Kate and Gerry were in no way involved in her death, or in disposing of her body."

Correio Da Manha quoted alleged sources close to the investigation.

It said of the police case against the McCanns: "Firstly, sniffer dogs detected a scent of death in the bedroom, in the boot of the car and on Kate's clothes.

"Then traces of blood indicate the presence of the little girl's body behind a sofa and in the trunk of the car."

Kate and Gerry, both 39, from Rothley, Leics, have always maintained there are innocent explanations for DNA found.

They said it could have come from Maddie's clothes, her younger sister and brother, dirty nappies or rubbish bag.

Their own independent tests on the hired Renault Scenic found no trace of Maddie.

And last night the Forensic Laboratory in Birmingham said: "Tests are still being carried out. No final report has been submitted to the Portuguese authorities."

Many of the samples scientists are working with are in any case feared contaminated after police failed to seal off the apartment.

The newspaper also said a statement by holiday neighbour Pamela Fenn was "fundamental" to the police theory that Kate and Gerry accidentally killed Maddie and transported her body.

Pamela, 81, is reported to have told cops she heard Maddie crying for her absent parents for hours - and Gerry and Kate promised it would never happen again.

She has denied the claims.

Meanwhile, Robert Murat's German girlfriend, said to have been spotted with a child, denied claims she has been named as an official suspect along with him and the McCanns.

v.lorraine@the-sun.co.uk