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The Portuguese investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann appeared to be in disarray yesterday as its second-in-command asked for extended leave, just days after his boss was sacked.
Chief Inspector Tavares Almeida's request for leave is understood to have been made before Goncalo Amaral, head of the regional Policia Judicaria, was removed from the case and demoted, but his request for leave, which is highly likely to be approved according to Portuguese newspapers, adds to the inquiry's sense of chaos.
Mr Almeida, 48, is believed to have questioned Kate McCann shortly before she and her husband left for Britain.
