MADELEINE McCann's parents have lost an appeal against the author of a book who alleged they were involved in the youngster's disappearance. Portugal's Supreme Court ruled Kate and Gerry McCann cannot sue for libel the Portuguese former detective who wrote the book.

In 2015, a Lisbon court ordered Goncalo Amaral to pay Kate and Gerry McCann 500,000 euros ($714,000) in compensation for allegations in Maddie: The Truth of the Lie. The book was published in 2008, three days after Portugal formally closed its inquiry and cleared the McCanns of wrongdoing.

Mr Amaral argued in his defence that the claims in his book stemmed from the police investigation. He also noted Portuguese media had already reported the possibility the parents may have played a role in Madeleine's disappearance. More than $83,000 was donated via a Go Fund Me page to support the detective after he was ordered to pay damages.

The McCanns had sought 1.2m euros ($1.7 million). However, an appeals court overturned the conviction last year before reaching Portugal's top court.

Madeleine disappeared from a holiday home in Portugal's Algarve region in May 2007, days before her fourth birthday.

British police are still investigating her disappearance.

INM