McCann family libel trial

The mother of missing Madeleine McCann had suicidal thoughts after Portuguese police chief Goncalo Amaral claimed she had covered up her daughter's death, a libel trial reportedly heard.

According to the AFP news agency, psychologist Alan Pike told Lisbon's civil court "Kate talked about not being around any more, and referred to killing herself as an option.

"I deduced it was an indication of how she felt rather than something she ever intended to do."

The McCanns have strongly denied accusations levelled against them in Mr Amaral's book that they hid their daughter's body after she died in an accident and faked an abduction.

Kate McCann, the mother of missing Madeleine, said she wants to "stop the damage" she believes is being caused to the search for her daughter by a former police chief's book.

Mrs McCann is in Portugal where she attended the first hearing of the family's libel action against Goncalo Amaral - the former detective who made allegations about Madeleine's disappearance.

Mr Amaral's accusations are strongly denied by the McCanns who claim his book has damaged the hunt for their missing daughter and exacerbated the anguish suffered by her relatives.

Speaking to the press, Mrs McCann said: "I'm here today for Madeleine and obviously I strongly hope for justice.

"I'm here to stop the damage that has been caused and is still being caused, both directly and indirectly, to the search for our daughter."

Sky's crime correspondent Martin Brunt, who is in Portugal for the McCann family libel trial, says Madeleine's grandmother is among those set to give evidence:

Kate McCann will appear in court in Portugal today to attend the start of a libel action against a former local police chief.

She will be accompanied by her mother for the hearing against Goncalo Amaral who published a book making allegations about the disappearance of her daughter, three-year-old Madeleine, back in 2007.

The McCanns have strongly denied the accusations contained in the book, and say the former detective's claim have damaged the hunt for their daughter, as well as exacerbating the anguish suffered by the family.

More: McCanns await start of Portuguese police chief case

Relatives of Kate and Gerry McCann are expected to give evidence at the libel trial of Portuguese police chief Goncalo Amaral.

Mr McCann's cousin Michael Wright is expected to be among those giving evidence relating to the "damage" caused by Mr Amaral's book.

Private investigator Dave Edgar, who assisted with the search for the missing child, is also part of proceedings.

Read: McCanns await start of Portuguese police chief case

The mother of missing Madeleine McCann will have to face painful memories tomorrow at the start of a libel case against a former police chief in Portugal.

Goncalo Amaral has published a book making allegations about the three-year-old's disappearance, which the McCanns say has poisoned public opinion in Portugal against the family and deterred search efforts.

Kate McCann, who is not expected to give evidence, will be accompanied by her mother Susan Healy for the first hearing at Lisbon's civil court.

The family stands to gain around £1 million in damages if their legal action succeeds.