By Rod Chaytor And Victoria Ward 21/03/08

Kate and Gerry McCann have been warned not to go back to Portugal for the anniversary of daughter Madeleine’s disappearance.

Lawyers have told the couple that to return on May 3 may be risky in view of the fact they are still official suspects over the missing four-year-old.

There are fears it might provoke demands for them to be quizzed by police again.

Last night a friend of the couple admitted that their continuing “arguido” status had taken away the parents’ “freedom of choice”.

The friend said: “The lawyers are just being ultra-cautious. But there remains a possibility they may suddenly be called in. The anniversary would then become a circus which is the last thing they want. It is sad because Portugal is where Kate feels closest to Madeleine.”

There have been repeated calls in the Portugese media from some police officers for the couple to be charged with child neglect for leaving her alone in their holiday apartment.

It is likely relatives will travel to Praia da Luz for the anniversary instead.

Portugese police plan to re-interview the McCanns holiday friends in Britain during April.