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This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses, and initial news reports may be unreliable. The latest updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. Feel free to improve this article or discuss changes on the talk page, but please note that updates without valid and reliable references will be removed. (May 2007) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

The disappearance of Madeleine "Maddy" McCann occurred on the evening of Thursday, 3 May 2007 when the three-year-old girl went missing while staying in a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve region of Portugal. Police believe she has been kidnapped.

The child

Madeleine McCann (born 12 May 2003 in Leicestershire, England) is a British toddler. She is the eldest daughter of Kate, a general practitioner in Melton Mowbray and Gerry McCann, a cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. Madeleine has a brother and a sister, Sean and Amelie, who are two-year-old twins. The family lives in Rothley, England.

As an easy identification feature, her right eye has a complete split in the iris (i.e. a black radial strip reaching from the pupil out to the edge of the white) at 7 o'clock position.

Disappearance

Madeleine's parents had put her and her siblings, two-year-old twins, to bed and were dining 100 yards away with friends at a restaurant near the Mark Warner Ocean Summer Club, in Praia da Luz, when she disappeared from the apartment where they were staying. Kate and Gerry McCann were taking turns checking on their children every half an hour. At approximately 21:00 WEST (Western European Summer Time), Gerry checked on the children and they were all fine. At around 21:45 WEST the couple returned from the restaurant to find an empty bed and the apartment door and window wide open and the incident was reported to the police. Staff and guests at the complex searched until 04:30 WEST whilst police on the Spanish border and all airports in Portugal and Spain were notified.

Timeline

• 21:00 Gerry checked the children were fine
• 21:45 The couple found Madeleine was gone
• 22:00 Incident reported to the police
• 22:10 Police turn up
• 22:30 Police investigation unit start work
• 04:30 Initial search called off

Investigation

Portuguese police Polícia Judiciária (PJ) said on May 6 that they had a suspect in mind and believed the child is still alive in the area and police with sniffer dogs searched the resort village, which has a population of about 1,000. However, on 8 May, 5 days after her disappearance, the Judiciária admitted they were unsure whether Madeleine was still alive.

Portuguese media have reported that the PJ are pursuing two lines of investigation: an abduction by an international paedophilia network or an abduction by an illegal adoption network.

Experts from Britain were flown out to assist the Portuguese police and Leicestershire Police sent family liaison officers to help the McCann family.

On 11 May the local search for the suspect was called off after it had produced no results. Then on 13 May the Portuguese police admitted for the first time that they had no suspects in mind. The only tangible line of enquiry that they were prepared to disclose was that they were examining photographs taken by holidaymakers.

Court hearings into the case began on 14 May.

At 07:00 on the morning of 14 May searches began at a villa Casa Liliana, owned by Jennifer Murat, near the apartment where the girl went missing. Police and forensic teams sealed off the house, and at 16:00 the swimming pool was drained. Three people were questioned at the main police station in nearby Portimão. Her son Robert Murat, who was a frequent visitor to the villa, aged 32, was one of the three after the man drew the suspicion of Lori Campbell, a Sunday Mirror journalist, who informed the police. Former classmate Gaynor de Jesus said: "I do know that he has been the official translator for the police". Murat had said he was deeply concerned about Madeleine’s case because he had recently lost custody of his own three-and-a-half year old daughter who looked like the missing girl. No arrests have been made. Murat has since been moved to an unknown destination.

Possible sightings

On 8 May 2007, Portuguese television channel SIC Notícias reported that police in the mountainous town of Nelas, northern central Portugal, had received information of a girl matching Madeleine's description who was seen with a man in a supermarket. Police later confirmed that the sighting had been a false alarm. The man, a Belgian citizen, stopped at the supermarket with his daughter and left the place in a car before police could be contacted.

On 9 May, the 24 Horas newspaper reported that police had found a vehicle near Praia da Luz that may have been used by the kidnapper.

On 9 May 2007, various sources reported that CCTV video from a petrol station near Lagos showed a child matching Madeleine's description. The child was reportedly with a woman, with whom the child was having an altercation, and two men. Following Madeleine's disappearance, other people in the resort came forward to report unusual incidents. This included a woman who noticed a man trying to take away a pram and a man who caught a stranger taking photographs of young blonde girls on a beach. On 10 May 2007 it was reported on Sky News that the car in which the three people caught on CCTV at the petrol station were travelling in had British number plates. It has been claimed that the person caught taking photographs was definitely one of the men on the CCTV footage.

Appeals

Her father, Gerry McCann, said, "Words cannot describe the anguish and despair that we are feeling. Please, if you have Madeleine, let her come home to her Mummy, Daddy, brother and sister." He stated that the family would leave "no stone unturned" in the search for Madeleine and that he and his wife "remained positive."

Manchester United footballer and current English PFA Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, who is Portuguese, made a televised appeal on MUTV for her safe return. His statement read: "I was very upset to hear of the abduction of Madeleine McCann and I appeal to anyone with information to come forward, please come forward."

Chelsea and England football captain John Terry said that he was "devastated to hear that young Maddie was abducted. Our thoughts and feelings go out to her parents, her family and we are urging anyone out there with any information at all, please, please, please come forward." His Portuguese teammate Paulo Ferreira translated his message into Portuguese and appealed to media.

Madeleine's aunt, Philomena McCann, has drawn up a poster to circulate in a chain email to help find the child. She also commented during a live phone interview that there is little coverage of the case in other countries apart from the UK and Portugal.

On 11 May 2007, former England football captain, David Beckham also made a public appeal. "If you have seen this little girl please could you go to your local authorities or police and give any information that you have," said Beckham, holding up poster with a photograph of Madeleine.

After a picture was released of Madeleine in an Everton shirt, club captain Phil Neville issued the following statement on behalf of the club. "Everton has fans all over the world and I know that they, along with everyone connected with the football club, are hoping and praying for Madeleine's safe return. Our thoughts are very much with the family at this extremely distressing time." Everton's Portuguese international footballers Nuno Valente and Manuel Fernandes have also both appealed for any news on her whereabouts. Manager David Moyes also added "Everybody here is desperately wanting to hear good news and my thoughts and prayers are with the family. If anybody out there knows anything, please come forward".

Celtic captain Neil Lennon has also made an appeal for Madeleine's safety and has announced that yellow armbands will be worn on the 12th against Aberdeen to mark her 4th birthday.

Reaction

The Portuguese ambassador in London, António Santana Carlos said, on 8 May, that the case was of "great concern" to Portugal and asked people to trust the police, amidst growing criticism of their handling of the case.

President Anibal Cavaco Silva announced on 9 May that he was following the case "with great concern", adding that the police were "doing everything to find the child alive".

Also on 9 May, Tony Blair's spokesperson said that the prime minister was following the case closely and that "we are helping in whatever way we can".

Criticism

Of the parents

There has been criticism in the Portuguese media of the parents. The Diário de Notícias insisted that Mr and Mrs McCann were suspects and claimed that on the night Madeleine disappeared they had not checked on her, contrary to what they told police. The Daily Telegraph has reported "Portugal has been stung by suggestions that the investigation has been handled ineptly, and while there is much sympathy locally for the McCanns they have also been criticised for leaving their children alone."

The couple were questioned by police on 10 May about why Madeleine was left alone in an apartment with the patio doors unlocked while they dined at the restaurant.

Of the police

There has been extensive criticism of the Portuguese police in the British media. It was reported that there were delays in obtaining and analysing forensic evidence, neither border nor marine police were given descriptions of Madeleine for many hours after she vanished, and officers had not been seen making extensive door-to-door inquiries. Critics allege that the scene had not been secured as tightly as it would have been in the UK and the lack of appeals for help and information has surprised British police experts. In response the police have stated that that they cannot release information because they are constrained by Article 86 of the Portuguese penal code that says information must not be released, apart from in exceptional circumstances, while the criminal investigation is still taking place.

Several Portuguese news media and opinion makers have criticised the massive police and law enforcement efforts, which they dubbed as exaggerated, comparing it with the efforts used to help national victims in past similar affairs. (Taking part were up to 180 Portuguese police officials and civil protection helicopters together with hundreds of villagers and holidaymakers, an effort never seen in the search for other child disappearances in the country.)

Rewards

The total rewards on offer currently stand at over £2.6 million including:

• £1,500,000 (€2,200,000) including £250,000 by the News of the World and £250,000 by Top Shop owner Sir Philip Green. Other contributors include Sir Richard Branson, author JK Rowling and Everton FC owner Bill Kenwright.
• £1,000,000 (€1,470,000) by British businessman Stephen Winyard.
• £100,000 (€147,000) by a colleague of Kate McCann.
• £10,000 (€14,700) by The Sun.
• (£10,200) €15,000 by Portuguese newspaper Record.

See also

• Child abduction

References

1. ^ "Holiday girl abducted, police say". BBC News. 2007-05-05. Retrieved 2007-05-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
2. "No end to Madeleine family agony". BBC News. 2007-05-13. Retrieved 2007-05-13. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
3. Larger images of Madeleine McCann's right eye on a police poster Belfast Telegraph, 14 May 2007
4. ^ Axel Bugge (2007-05-06). "Abducted girl's parents pray for her safe return". Reuters. Retrieved 2007-05-06. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
5. ^ "Toddler 'abducted' during holiday". BBC News. 2007-05-04. Retrieved 2007-05-06. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
6. ^ "'Continue To Pray For [[Madeleine]]'". Sky News. 2007-05-06. Retrieved 2007-05-06. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); URL–wikilink conflict (help)
7. "Police 'unsure' Madeleine alive". BBC News. 2007-05-08. Retrieved 2007-05-09.
8. José Manuel Oliveira and Paula Martinheira (2007-05-09). "Judiciária suspeita de "crime grave" contra Madeleine" (in Portuguese). Diário de Notícias. Retrieved 2007-05-09. A hipótese de Maddy ter sido raptada para uma rede internacional de pedofilia é uma das hipóteses mais consistentes para a PJ, e que esta está a investigar. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
9. "Rapto: adopção ou pedofilia?" (in Portuguese). Portugal Diário. 2007-05-08. Retrieved 2007-05-09. A Polícia Judiciária está a investigar a possibilidade de o desaparecimento de Madeleine estar relacionado com uma rede de pedofilia inglesa com ligações a Portugal. Mas há ainda uma outra pista que estrará igualmente a ser seguida: o rapto para uma eventual rede de adopção internacional.
10. "Rapto pode ser obra de rede pedófila ou de adopção ilegal" (in Portuguese). Diário dos Açores. 2007-05-09. Retrieved 2007-05-09.
11. "Madeleine's Parents 'Had Left Her Alone Before During Their Holiday'". Evening Standard. 2007-05-06. Retrieved 2007-05-11. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
12. "Maddy Is Still Missing But Police Call Off The Search". Daily Express. 2007-05-11. Retrieved 2007-05-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
13. ^ "Detectives in search for Madeleine admit they have no suspect". The Times. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-05-14. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
14. ^ "British man questioned in Madeleine hunt". The Guardian. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
15. "Madeleine police search Briton's home". The Daily Telegraph. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
16. "Villa searched in Madeleine hunt". BBC News. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
17. ^ "Briton's Villa Searched In Madeleine Case". Sky News. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
18. "Madeleine police 'question British man'". The Times. 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
19. ^ "Portugal defends Madeleine police". BBC News. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
20. "Police 'step up Madeleine search'". BBC News. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
21. João Moniz (2007-05-09). "Investigações da PJ seguem 350 pistas" (in Portuguese). Destak. Retrieved 2007-05-09. A PJ confirmou ontem que uma das pistas falsas foi verificada em Nelas. A parecença da filha de um cidadão belga, de visita à região, com Madeleine deixou a população desconfiada, ao ponto de um supermercado local ter filmado pai e filha. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
22. ^ "Video tape may show missing Maddie". iAfrica.com. 2007-05-09. Retrieved 2007-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
23. "Staff At Maddy Resort 'Were Warned Of Suspicious Man'". LifStyle Extra. 2007-05-08. Retrieved 2007-05-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
24. ^ "£1 million reward for missing Madeleine". Daily Telegraph. 2007-05-12. Retrieved 2007-05-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
25. "Service Held For Missing Madeleine". Sky News. 2007-05-11. Retrieved 2007-05-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
26. "Madeleine parents 'won't give up'". BBC News. 2007-05-11. Retrieved 2007-05-11. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
27. "Star Ronaldo in Madeleine appeal". Irish Examiner. 2007-05-08. Retrieved 2007-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
28. "Paedophile link probed in Madeleine hunt". ITV News. 2007-05-09. Retrieved 2007-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
29. "Copy of 'Missing Madeleine' poster" (PDF). Sky News. Retrieved 2007-05-09.
30. "Madeleine's Family Send Out Email Poster". Sky News. 2007-05-09. Retrieved 2007-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
31. "David Beckham appeals for information on missing toddler Madeleine McCann", International Herald Tribune, May 11, 2007
32. "Everton appeal for Madeleine". Everton F.C. 2007-05-11. Retrieved 2007-05-11. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
33. "Celtic players to wear yellow armbands". Celtic F.C. 2007-05-11. Retrieved 2007-05-11. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
34. ^ "CLUELESS - We reveal errors made by police in kidnap hunt for Maddy". Daily Mirror. 2007-05-09. Retrieved 2007-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
35. "Nine days on, but few tangible clues to cling to". The Guardian. 2007-05-12. Retrieved 2007-05-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
36. "Today Madeleine should have been celebrating". The Daily Telegraph. 2007-05-12. Retrieved 2007-05-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
37. "Criticism grows over search for missing toddler". The Age. 2007-05-10. Retrieved 2007-05-10. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
38. "Q&A: Madeleine McCann". The Guardian. Retrieved 2007-05-08.
39. ""Joana só teve direito a uma escavadora"".; "Rui Pedro, Desaparecido em 04/03/1998. "NÃO FIZERAM O MESMO"".; "Rui Pereira, Desaparecido em 02/03/1999. "ACREDITO QUE ESTÁ VIVO"".; "Cláudia Alexandra, Desaparecida em 13/05/1994. "NEM O TEMPO APAGA A DOR"" (in Portuguese). Correio da Manhã. Retrieved 2007-05-14.
40. Henrique Monteiro. "Joana e a menina inglesa" (in Portuguese). Expresso. Retrieved 2007-05-14. A justiça e a investigação criminal são iguais para ricos e pobres, ou a polícia sente-se particularmente impune quando a vida ou o sofrimento das pessoas envolvidas não vale sequer uma boa abertura de um noticiário?
41. "Madeleine reward rises to £2.5m". BBC. 2007-05-12. Retrieved 2007-05-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
42. "Rewards For Madeleine Info Top £2.5m". Sky News. 2007-05-12. Retrieved 2007-05-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
43. "£1m reward over missing Madeleine". BBC News. 2007-05-11. Retrieved 2007-05-11. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
44. "£1m reward in hunt for Maddie". The Metro. 2007-05-10. Retrieved 2007-05-10. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
45. "Sun offers £10k poster reward". The Sun. 2007-05-09. Retrieved 2007-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
46. "Record oferece 15.000 euros". Record. 2007-05-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

• Current events from May 2007
• Kidnapped children
• Disappeared people
• Crime in Portugal
• 2007 in Portugal