Reports this morning say the blood came from a man, probably a guest who hurt himself while staying in the apartment after the four-year-old disappeared.

Meanwhile, Portugal's police chief is quoted today as saying that he believes Madeleine died on the night she vanished in the Algarve more than three months ago.

Portuguese media reports say the scene of human remains was detected in the McCann's apartment by by British sniffer dogs.

The McCanns say they still believe their daughter is alive.