THE Portuguese detective in charge of the Madeleine McCann inquiry was removed from the case today after accusing her parents of manipulating British police, it was reported tonight.
Goncalo Amaral was reportedly taken off the case following his comments that Kate and Gerry McCann had been calling the shots by identifying lines of inquiry for Leicestershire officers.
The detective, who heads the regional Policia Judiciaria in Portimao, said today British police had overlooked the fact that the couple remain suspects.
And he accused the McCanns of releasing new information each day in a bid to distract and confuse the 152-day-old inquiry.
Police reportedly said in a statement today that Mr Amaral had been taken off the case but gave no reason for the decision.
Portuguese Justice Minister Alberto Costa refused to comment on the case, saying in reports: "We have to concentrate on the work, not on making comments."
Clarence Mitchell, the family's spokesman, said tonight: "We're aware of these reports and we simply can't comment.
"Gerry and Kate have consistently said that they are happy to cooperate fully with the Portuguese authorities and will continue to do so no matter who is in charge of the Madeleine investigation."
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