Robert Murat has been reportedly convinced that DNA will clear his name

The sole suspect in the case of missing Madeleine McCann is still waiting for DNA to clear his name after concerns that samples were contaminated.
Robert Murat is thought to have given a second sample amid concerns about the quality of the initial swab. Portuguese police spokesman Olegario Sousa said the reason for a second test would be because the first could have been contaminated, lost or insufficient.

Portuguese law has meant very little detail of the case has been released, but DNA testing is still thought to be ongoing. Evidence of a mystery person in Madeleine's room was uncovered last week.

Samples have been taken from the only named suspect in the case, Robert Murat, his mother Jenny, business associate Sergey Malinka and the estranged husband of Mr Murat's girlfriend, Luis Antonio.

DNA has also been taken from the McCanns, their children and 12 other people in their group who travelled from the UK to Portugal.

Mr Murat's spokesman, Tuck Price, said the suspect was desperately hoping the DNA results would clear his name but could wait weeks to find out.

Meanwhile Kate and Gerry McCann set off on the next stage of their European search for their kidnapped daughter today after a long awaited briefing with Portuguese police.

The couple pushed for the meeting with senior officers after nearly two weeks without face to face contact with local officials.

They discussed the abduction of four-year-old Madeleine for an hour at the British consulate in Portimao, not far from the Algarve town of Praia da Luz from where she was taken 33 days ago.

Policia Judiciara (PJ) spokesman Olegario Sousa and Luis Neves from the Direccao Central de Combate ao Banditismo (DCCB), which deals with serious organised crime and terrorism, were thought to be there.

A spokesman for the McCanns said the couple felt the meeting was "worthwhile and useful" but did not reveal a significant breakthrough.

"They have been asking for more information, more quickly. They are pleased they are getting access to a degree and remain content with the investigation."

After their last meeting on May 24, the authorities released a description of a suspect the couple had known about for 22 days.