The latest developments in the Madeleine McCann case appear routine, but they suggest the Portuguese authorities may be moving closer to charging her parents.

The evidence against missing Madeleine McCann’s parents was today passed to a Portuguese judge – who could in theory bring charges against them within days.

It was confirmed today that the investigators in the case of missing British girl Madeleine McCann have been focusing attention on white vans in the area of Praia Da Luz.