By Emily Miller 29/02/08

Police probing Madeleine McCann’s disappearance are poised to fly to Britain to quiz her parents and their friends.

Portuguese police have waited for months for UK approval to re-interview Kate and Gerry, both 39, and the Tapas Seven over the May 3 night the four-year-old vanished.

Crucial witnesses David Payne, 41, Jane Tanner and her partner Russell O’Brien, 36, are due to be called first within 10 days.

A Portuguese police source said: “We’re now just talking about finding a convenient date.”

A spokesman for the McCanns, of Rothley, Leics, said last night: “They’ve nothing to hide.”

The Home Office said: “We have received a legal assistance request from the Portuguese.”