Missing: Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007

The Portuguese detective being sued by Kate and Gerry McCann over his allegations about their role in their daughter’s disappearance has been invited to give a talk in Britain.

Goncalo Amaral, who led the police investigation, is due to speak to a conference next month in Nottingham organised by the Madeleine Foundation, which claims the missing girl was not abducted.

Madeleine, then three, disappeared during a family holiday to Praia da Luz in May 2007.

Next week, Amaral is due to appear in a Lisbon court to fight a £1million libel action brought by the McCanns over his book on the case.

In it, he accused the couple of neglecting their children, questioned their need to employ a spokesman and claimed British police were ‘too close’ to them.

Amaral, 49, authorised making the McCanns official suspects, or arguidos, in their daughter’s disappearance, but was later sacked after criticising British police involvement in the case.

A source close to the McCanns said they were ‘concerned’ by his visit.

Former detective Goncalo Amaral poses with his book

'Concerned': Kate and Gerry McCann