The parents of Madeleine McCann have spoken of the “information void” they have felt after Portuguese detectives failed to update them on investigation of their daughter’s abduction for more than a week.

Kate and Gerry McCann, who is 39 today, will tonight travel to Germany and then on to the Netherlands to promote the international search for their daughter following her abduction 33 days ago from their Algarve holiday apartment.

Before leaving Portugal the couple hope to meet detectives for the first time in 12 days to receive details about the investigation.

They are expected to appear on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme tomorrow night to appeal for information from holidaymakers who were in Praia da Luz when Madeleine disappeared or who know who took her.

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The secrecy surrounding the Portuguese police inquiry means that Crimewatch can not include its usual reconstruction of events, detailed timings or even a picture of an eye-witness description of the man the McCann's believe stole Madeleine.

The couple from Rothley, Leicestershire, have not had any briefing directly from Portuguese officers since May 24 and are relying on information passed to them via British police. A meeting planned with Portuguese police officials fell through last week.

Mr McCann said: “We have had periods of information voids. And that naturally leads us to speculate about what has happened or hasn’t - or could been happening. And that really doesn't help Kate and I. So as much information as we can get is a good thing.”

The consultant cardiologist told Fox News that the couple understand that Portuguese laws on judicial secrecy meant the police are unable to give them details of all leads and suspects in the investigation.

“I would say that the flow of information now is better than it was at the beginning, but there is a lot of information, particularly in relation to leads and suspects which we are not given and have not been done so because of operational reasons,” said Mr McCann.

The couple do not want to be seen openly criticising the Portuguese authorities but have previously expressed “frustration” at a three week delay in issuing the description of a man they are convinced abducted their daughter. A public appeal for information was only made following the intervention of Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister in waiting.

The family spokesman said: “They are very happy with the level of co-operation they are receiving both from the Portuguese authorities via the British police but they are always keen to have further meetings to be updated as often as possible.”

The stress of searching for Madeleine has left Mr McCann with no idea of time - even forgetting his own birthday today.

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