Senior Madeleine policeman 'asks for time off'

A senior police officer in the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has asked for an extended leave of absence, it was reported today.

Chief Inspector Tavares Almeida’s request, reported in the Portuguese newspaper 24 Horas, emerged after his boss, Goncalo Amaral, was taken off the case earlier this week.

A police source told 24 Horas: “As a rule, requests of a short, medium or long duration are granted.

“It is very unlikely to be denied. If that happened, it would be the first time in the PJ (Judicial Police).”

Mr Almeida reportedly refused to confirm or deny the report, telling the newspaper: “I don’t speak to journalists.”