The family of Madeleine McCann, a four-year-old girl who went missing in Portugal on May 3, called for an end to the widespread speculation surrounding the case, saying the focus should return to the search for the child.

A family spokesman reiterated that any suggestion about parents Kate and Gerry McCann having anything to do with harming their daughter was "as ludicrous as it is nonsensical."

Portuguese police have named the McCanns, both doctors, as suspects in the girl's disappearance from a southern resort. The couple strongly denies any involvement.

A Portuguese judge is examining the police file on Madeleine's disappearance and could decide this week what steps should be taken next.

Forensic tests conducted in Britain found evidence indicating DNA from Madeleine was in the trunk of a rental car her parents used after she went missing.

However, Portugal's national police chief said last week the forensic tests on the car were not conclusive and he expected the investigation to continue.