Family friend claims McCanns under pressure

A friend of the family has said the parents of missing Madeleine McCann are under intense pressure but are 'not cracking up'.

Gerry and Kate McCann left their home in Rothley, Leicestershire this morning with meetings with lawyers planned amid concerns among friends that they are under intolerable strain.

The friend, a colleague of Mr McCann at Leicester's Glenfield Hospital who visited the couple this week said there's a very strong feeling of support within the hospital for them.