Disappearance of Madeleine McCann: Difference between revisions

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	'''Madeleine McCann disappeared''' on the evening of Thursday, ] ] in the resort of ] in the ], ], just days short of her fourth birthday. The event has since generated international media attention with controversy surrounding the Portuguese-led police investigation and the actions of Madeleine's parents.

	The ] girl was on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, and siblings when she disappeared from an apartment in the central area of the resort. Madeleine's parents have said that they left her unsupervised in a ground floor bedroom with her two-year-old twin siblings while they ate at a restaurant about 120 metres away.<ref name=120m/>

	The initial investigation by the ] (Portuguese criminal investigation police) concluded that she had been ].<!-- Please don't change this to 'alleged abduction' - this reports the conclusion of the police investigation, right or wrong --><ref name="Holiday girl abducted">{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6627605.stm\|title=Holiday girl abducted, police say\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-14}}</ref> After further investigation, they subsequently stated that there was a strong hypothesis that she might have died in her room.<ref name= "no breakthrough"/><ref name="not suspects"/> During the investigation there were a number of unconfirmed claimed sightings of Madeleine in Portugal and elsewhere and additional scientific evidence was obtained.

	Robert Murat, a local man, was given '']'' (]) status on ].<ref>, ]</ref><ref name="suspect">{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6656451.stm\|title=Man 'a suspect' in Madeleine hunt\|publisher=]\|date=2007-05-15\|accessdate = 2007-05-15}}</ref> Nonetheless, police investigating the disappearance admitted on ] that the investigation was nowhere near a breakthrough.<ref name= "no breakthrough"/> Kate and Gerry McCann were also named as ''arguidos'' on ], but were allowed to fly back to the ] on ].<ref name=arguida/><ref name="Gerry arguido">{{cite news\|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22383265-5005961,00.html\|title=Maddie's dad named a suspect\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-08}}</ref><ref name="journey begun">{{cite news \| title = Madeleine parents head back to UK \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \|accessdate = 2007-09-09 \|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6985454.stm}}</ref>

	The investigation involved the cooperation of the ] and ] police and demonstrated the differing methodologies employed by each, with regard to such aspects as the amount of information released to the public and the legal status of those involved in the case. The disappearance and its aftermath are notable for the breadth and longevity of the media coverage. This was initially due to the active involvement of the parents in publicising the case and to several awareness-raising campaigns by international celebrities and, latterly, to the interest that arose from the parents being named as suspects.

	==Disappearance==
	Madeleine disappeared from a ground floor apartment where the family was staying on the evening of ] ]. The apartment had been rented by the holiday company ] for the summer season as part of its Ocean Club. The nature of the Ocean Club may have contributed to the disappearance of Madeleine since, because its buildings are spread out across the village, anyone can wander in and out of the holiday areas.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=452717&in_page_id=1770\|title=Retreat for professional classes\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-09}}</ref>

	Her parents reported to the police that they had taken Madeleine to their holiday apartment at 18:00, to prepare Madeleine and her two-year-old twin ]s for bed.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2454101.ece \|title=Police 'cannot prove Madeleine's death' \|author= David Brown \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-16}}</ref> Then, leaving the apartment unlocked, they had dined with friends approximately 120 metres away at a ] bar within the Mark Warner Ocean Summer Club.<ref name=120m>{{cite news\|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=474428&in_page_id=1811\|title=In pictures, the 120 metre route to check on Madeleine\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-28}}</ref> The McCanns said that they were taking turns checking on their children and that at approximately 21:05 ] (WEST) Gerry checked on the children followed by Dr Matthew Oldfield at 21:30.<ref name=timings>{{cite news \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6984836.stm\|title=Madeleine McCann: The evidence\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-08}}</ref> At around 22:00, Kate returned to check on the children and found Madeleine's bed empty and the bedroom window open.<ref name=abducted>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2080070,00.html\|title=Madeleine McCann case\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-07-23}}</ref> An Ocean Club ], Charlotte Pennington, who was one of the first people to arrive at the apartment, said that Kate screamed both "They've taken her, they've taken her!" and "Madeleine's gone!".<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=483715&in_page_id=1770
	\|author=Dan Newling \|title=Kate McCann DID scream 'They've taken her' claims new nanny witness \|publisher=] \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-25}}</ref> Kate said that the police were called within 10 minutes of finding her daughter gone. The police stated that officers arrived within 10 minutes of being alerted, and an investigation unit began work within 30 minutes.<ref name=timings/> According to the Portuguese police's missing person notice, the disappearance had occurred "by 22:40".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.policiajudiciaria.pt/htm/Ingles/missing_person/madeleine.htm\|title=Missing Child\|publisher=] \|accessdate = 2007-08-30}}</ref> Staff and guests at the complex searched until 04:30 whilst police on the Spanish border and all airports in Portugal and Spain were notified.<ref name=abducted>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/6623127.stm\|title=Toddler 'abducted' during holiday\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-06}}</ref> The Portuguese police have yet to supply a definitive timeline for the evening of Madeleine's disappearance.

	The last picture of the child, as supplied by the family, was apparently taken at 14:29, and shows her sitting by the side of the pool with Gerry and Amelie.<ref name=photo> {{cite news \|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1836171.ece
	\|author=Steve Bird and David Brown \|title=The last family picture of Madeleine McCann\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-24}}</ref> Although the McCanns insist Gerry was playing tennis at the Ocean Club as Kate gave the children supper at the Ocean Club resort at 17:00, Miguel Matias, who runs the beach-side Paraíso restaurant, said he saw Gerry dancing with his daughter while the family ate a meal on the terrace. Portuguese police confirmed that they had received relevant CCTV footage from Matias.<ref name="kidnapper hiding"/>

	==Investigation==
	===Early stages===
	Following the disappearance, police carried out a search of the surrounding area with ], but it was called off on ] having produced no results.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/6704\|title=Maddy Is Still Missing But Police Call Off The Search\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-12}}</ref> The Portuguese police '']'' (PJ) said they were unsure whether Madeleine was still alive.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6633687.stm\|title=Police 'unsure' Madeleine alive\|publisher=]\|date=2007-05-08\|accessdate = 2007-05-09}}</ref> They also examined photographs taken by holidaymakers to see if any suspects could be identified.<ref name="no leads">{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1784984.ece\|title=Detectives in search for Madeleine admit they have no suspect\|publisher=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-14\|date=]}}</ref> The Portuguese media reported that the PJ were pursuing two lines of investigation: an abduction by an international ] network or an abduction by an illegal ] network.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://dn.sapo.pt/2007/05/09/sociedade/judiciaria_suspeita_crime_grave_cont.html\|title=Judiciária suspeita de "crime grave" contra Madeleine\|author=José Manuel Oliveira and Paula Martinheira\| publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-09\|language=Portuguese\|}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.portugaldiario.iol.pt/noticia.php?id=806109&div_id=\|title=Rapto: adopção ou pedofilia?\|publisher=]\|date=2007-05-08\|accessdate = 2007-05-09\|language=Portuguese\|}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://da.online.pt/news.php?id=110643\|title=Rapto pode ser obra de rede pedófila ou de adopção ilegal\|publisher=Diário dos Açores\|date=2007-05-09\|accessdate = 2007-05-09\|language=Portuguese}}</ref>

	===Murat and Malinka===
	At 07:00 WEST on the morning of ] ], searches began at Casa Liliana, a villa owned by Jennifer Murat, a ] citizen, near the apartment where Madeleine went missing.<ref name="man questioned">{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2079691,00.html#article_continue\|title=British man questioned in Madeleine hunt\|publisher=]\|date=2007-05-14\|accessdate = 2007-05-14}}</ref> Police and scientific teams sealed off the house, and at 16:00 the swimming pool was drained.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/05/14/wmaddy214.xml\|publisher=]\|title=Madeleine police search Briton's home\|date=2007-05-14\|accessdate = 2007-05-14}}</ref>

	Three people, including Jennifer Murat's son Robert Murat, were questioned at the main police station in nearby ]. Robert Murat, a frequent visitor to the villa who has ], had drawn the suspicion of Lori Campbell, a '']'' journalist, who informed the police.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6655907.stm\|title=Villa searched in Madeleine hunt\|publisher=]\|date=2007-05-14\|accessdate = 2007-05-14}}</ref><ref name="nationality"/>

	Former Murat classmate Gaynor de Jesus said: "I do know that he has been the official translator for the police."<ref name=searched>{{cite news\|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,70131-1265689,00.html\|title=Briton's Villa Searched In Madeleine Case\|publisher=]\|date=2007-05-14\|accessdate = 2007-05-14}}</ref> 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.

	Robert Murat was given '']'' (]) status on ]; before being given this status persons are treated as witnesses. It is not clear if Murat or the police asked for the ''arguido'' status which gives extra rights such as the right to remain silent.<ref name="suspect">{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6656451.stm\|title=Man 'a suspect' in Madeleine hunt\|publisher=]\|date=2007-05-15\|accessdate = 2007-05-15}}</ref> Chief Inspector Olegário de Sousa told a news conference that an un-named 33-year-old (believed to be Murat) had been interrogated, but not enough evidence was found to justify arresting him. Sousa said police had searched five houses on Monday and seized "various materials" from the properties which were being subjected to scientific tests and had questioned two other un-named people as witnesses. Murat stated that he was being made a ] so that the police could be seen to have found a suspect.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1265880,00.html\|title=Madeleine Suspect Tells Sky: 'My Life Is Ruined'\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-15}}</ref>

	It was reported on ] that two cars used by the Murats had been examined, and computers, mobile phones and several video tapes were taken from their villa.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6660009.stm\|title=I'm Madeleine scapegoat, man says\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-16}}</ref> It also emerged that a British architect who built the villa was ignored when he called police about a hidden basement within the property.<ref name=Russian>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/05/16/wmaddy216.xml\|title=Madeleine police want to interview Russian\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-16}}</ref>

	The police were understood to have taken in for questioning Sergey Malinka, 22, a man of ]n origin, from whose property officers also took away a laptop computer and two hard drives. Malinka had set up a website for Murat and the two exchanged frequent phone calls since Madeleine's disappearance—the reason the authorities started suspecting him.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://expresso.clix.pt/Actualidade/Interior.aspx?content_id=393197\|title=PJ faz buscas em casa de Sergei Malinka\|author=Rui Gustavo\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-17\|language=Portuguese}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.correiomanha.pt/noticia.asp?idCanal=9&id=242661\|title=Cidadão russo ouvido pela PJ. Apartamento de Sergey Malinka alvo de buscas\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-17\|language=Portuguese}}</ref> Chief Police Inspector Olegário de Sousa reiterated there was insufficient evidence to make any arrests. Police said that Malinka had been questioned as a witness for approximately five hours, which did not, having regard to the "dynamic" nature of the investigation, mean that he could not become a suspect.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1266321,00.html\|title=Madeleine Police - No Charges Imminent\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref>

	Malinka spoke negatively of the coverage of the case in the Portuguese media, which had alleged that he was a convicted sexual offender. Malinka denied he had contacted Murat, and said he was "completely innocent".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1266338,00.html\|title='I Know Nothing About Missing Madeleine'\|publisher=]\|date=]}}</ref> Inconsistencies in his account of his relationship with Robert Murat emerged: he had said <!-- To the police? To Sky News? -->he had not contacted Murat in a year but Murat’s mobile phone records allegedly show he called Mr Malinka at 23:40 on the night Madeleine went missing.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/05/18/wmaddy318.xml\|title=Mobile phone mystery in Madeleine hunt\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/other/display.var.1411320.0.0.php\|title=Chain e-mail puts world on watch for Madeleine\|author=Alan MacDermid \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-19}}</ref> On ], Portuguese ]s flew to England to interview Dawn Murat, the estranged wife of Robert Murat, and detectives re-interviewed other witnesses connected with Murat.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/05/20/wmaddy120.xmll\|title= Portuguese police in Britain for Madeleine hunt\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|author=Ian Herbert \|url= http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2578470.ece\|title=Two witnesses are interviewed again over missing girl\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate=2007-05-24}}</ref>

	Murat was interviewed for a second and third time on ] and ] to clarify what detectives described as details and possible contradictions from his previous statement in the light of new information.<ref>{{cite news\|author=Fiona Govan \|url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/07/11/nmurat111.xml\|title= Maddy suspect interviewed for second day\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate=2007-06-12}}</ref> On the second day detectives from the Polícia Judiciária questioned three friends of the McCanns who were dining with them at the time of the disappearance, Rachael Oldfield, Russell O'Brien and Fiona Payne, "to go over their accounts of events on May 3". The three were also brought face to face with Murat.<ref name="face to face">{{cite news \| title = McCann friends confront Madeleine suspect' \|author= Haroon Siddique\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-09-24 \|url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2125738,00.html}}</ref> As a result of the interviews, police examined discrepancies between statements from the three friends and that from Murat, in particular claims from the friends that they saw Murat outside the holiday complex on the night of the disappearance when he had stated that he was at home with his mother.<ref name="face to face"/> Murat's mother, Jenny, subsequently corroborated his alibi.<ref>{{cite news \| title = My Son is innocent Says Mother Of Maddy suspect \| publisher = ] \| author = Matt Drake \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-09-24 \|url = http://www2.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/14970/My-son-is-innocent-says-mother-of-Maddy-suspect}}</ref>

	Police, including British detectives, resumed searching Casa Liliana on ].<ref>{{cite news \| title = New search at McCann suspect home \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-08-04 \|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6931159.stm}}</ref> Vegetation was cleared and the grounds were searched but despite the use of hi-tech scanning equipment and a British ] no new evidence was found.<ref name="nothing found"/>

	Reports in the Portuguese press suggested that Murat met Gerry whilst the latter was campaigning for the ]. Murat denied this on ] describing the reports as "absolutely ridiculous" saying "I’ve never met the man before".<ref>{{cite news \| title = I've Never Met Gerry, Says Maddy Suspect Murat \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-09-13 \|url = http://www2.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/19058/I've-never-met-Gerry,-says-Maddy-suspect-Murat}}</ref>

	===McCanns as suspects===
	The Polícia Judiciária, on ], officially interviewed Kate for a second time, at the police station in Portimão with the McCanns' Portuguese lawyer, Carlos Pinto de Abreu, present. The family’s spokeswoman Justine McGuinness said, "Kate will answer every question put to her – she has nothing to hide."<ref name="parent interviews" /> Pinto de Abreu made a formal application for the couple’s status to be changed from 'witness' to 'assistant' in the investigation. This is a technical move which would allow the McCanns to have more information about the progress of the investigation.<ref name="parent interviews">{{cite news \| title = Madeleine McCann's mother fears rumours\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Caroline Gammell \|accessdate = 2007-09-07 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/06/nmaddy306.xml}}</ref> When Pinto de Abreu emerged with Kate from the police station in the early hours of ], after more than 10 hours of questioning, he said Kate "was interviewed as a witness and she still remains a witness. The investigation is ongoing and we cannot say any more."<ref name="parent interviews">{{cite news \| title = Madeleine McCann's mother fears rumours\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Caroline Gammell \|accessdate = 2007-09-07 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/06/nmaddy306.xml}}</ref>

	Kate returned for further interview later on ] and was formally declared a suspect by the Portuguese police.<ref name="Blood">{{cite news \| title = Case of Missing Girl Takes Ominous Turn\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan \|accessdate = 2007-09-09 \|url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/08/AR2007090801203.html?hpid=topnews}}</ref> After questioning, Kate was released from the police station just before 16:00 without being charged.<ref name=arguida>{{cite news \| title = Kate McCann 'fears Madeleine killing charge over blood traces in car'\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = James Sturcke and James Orr \|accessdate = 2007-09-07 \|url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2164354,00.html}}</ref> Gerry was interviewed at the same police station during the afternoon and evening of ] and afterwards Pinto de Abreu announced that Gerry had also been named as a formal suspect.<ref name=arguida/><ref name="Gerry arguido"/> Before she became a suspect Kate said "The police don't want a murder in Portugal and all the publicity about them not having paedophile laws here, so they're blaming us," and Gerry said "We are being absolutely stitched up."<ref name=misunderstanding>{{cite news \| title =
	McCanns suffer stain of suspicion \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Gordon Rayner \|accessdate = 2007-09-10 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/10/wmaddy310.xmll}}</ref> Pinto de Abreu said that claims by relatives that police had offered Kate a plea bargain if she admitted to accidentally killing her child were wrong and the result of "a misunderstanding".<ref name=deal>{{cite news \| title =
	Prosecutor to study evidence before deciding couple's future\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Giles Tremlett and Brendan de Beerr \|accessdate = 2007-09-10 \|url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2165840,00.html}}</ref>

	The UK ] is providing the McCanns with assistance.<ref name="flying home">{{cite news \| title = Madeleine McCann's parents flying back to UK \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = David Harrison and Caroline Gammell \|accessdate = 2007-09-09 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/09/nmcann109.xml}}</ref> ] ] said on ] "I am clear that the Portuguese police have the objective of solving this crime, and most importantly finding Madeleine, and that is what we in our support of the McCanns have tried to do as well."<ref>{{cite news \| title =
	Father of Madeleine McCann makes emotional denial on return to UK\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Steve Swinford, Mark Macaskill and Jon Ungoed-Thomas \|accessdate = 2007-09-10 \|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2417680.ece}}</ref> Despite the ongoing investigation, the McCanns flew home on ] via ] and ] airports.<ref name="journey begun"/>

	During the evening of ], ] crime correspondent ], commenting on the analysis of samples returned from the Forensic Science Service, said that "According to police, it shows the presence of Madeleine's body in the boot of the family's hire car five weeks after she disappeared.".<ref>{{cite news \| title =
	Police Match Madeleine DNA To Hire Car'\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \|accessdate = 2007-09-10 \|url = http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1283359,00.html}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, however, the national director of the Policia Judiciaria, Alípio Ribeiro, cautioned that the tests had not been conclusive and ] experts pointed to the dangers of contamination.<ref>{{cite news \| title =
	Police downplay Maddie DNA link\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \|accessdate = 2007-09-11 \|url = http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22398633-23109,00.html}}</ref> Earlier, McGuinness had said that Kate told detectives there was "no way" Madeleine's blood could have been found inside the car, which they had hired some 25 days after the disappearance, and continued to protest her innocence.<ref name=arguida/> To enable the McCanns to carry out independent forensic tests, the car is being kept in the garage of ] ] at his villa near Praia da Luz.<ref name="PI search"/>

	Sousa stated that at the end of the investigation the case file would be handed to the public ].<ref name=deal/> The papers were given to the local prosecutor, José Cunha de Magalhães e Meneses, on ]. Meneses decided that there was sufficient evidence to pass the case to a ], who had the power to approve any charges and also decide, within 10 days, on other actions that could have included placing the McCanns under house arrest in the Algarve, ordering further interrogations and authorising further searches.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Case against McCann parents passed to judge\| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = David Brown and Steve Bird \|accessdate = 2007-09-11 \|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2429822.ece}}</ref> The judge appointed was Pedro Miguel dos Anjos Frias, ]'s 'juiz de instrução criminal'.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://jn.sapo.pt/2007/09/11/ultimas/Madeleine_MP_remeteu_processo_a.html \|title=Jornal de Notícias - Madeleine: MP remeteu processo ao juiz de instrução criminal \|accessdate=2007-09-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| title = Madeleine judge is known as a tough character \|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Caroline Gammell \|accessdate = 2007-09-12 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/12/nmaddy712.xml}}</ref>

	A district prosecutor, Luis Bilro Verão, has now been appointed in addition to Meneses, to oversee the investigation.<ref>{{cite news \| title = McCann files to be given to judge \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \|accessdate = 2007-09-11 \|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6989960.stm}}</ref> On ] ] Fernando José Pinto Monteiro said that further police action was necessary after which there could be a reassessment of possible ] conditions for the suspects.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Judge to study Madeleine dossier \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \|accessdate = 2007-09-12 \|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6990502.stm}}</ref>

	Anjos Frias authorised, on ], the seizure of Kate's ], and Gerry's ], thought to be at the McCanns' ] home, and other items. ] are expected to visit the McCanns, to attempt to implement this warrant.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Police to study diary and laptop from McCanns \|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = David Brown \|accessdate = 2007-09-13 \|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2441735.ece}}</ref> ]ers visited the McCanns on ], at their request.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Social workers visit McCanns at home \|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Padraic Flanagan \|accessdate = 2007-09-14 \|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2446941.ece}}</ref> Anjos Frias ruled on ] that the McCanns would not be reinterviewed for the time being.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Madeleine McCann's parents won't be reinterviewed \|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Caroline Gammell, Nick Britten and Paul Stokes \|accessdate = 2007-09-20 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/19/nmaddy819.xml}}</ref>

	The McCanns have been quoted as believing that their phones have been tapped from fairly early in the investigation.<ref>{{cite news \| title=
	Madeleine McCann parents fear their phones are being tapped in Britain \| publisher = ] \| author=Caroline Gammell, Nick Britten and Paul Stokes \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-09-22 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/20/nmaddy820.xml}}</ref> The McCanns challenged the police, on ], saying in a statement "Find the body and prove we killed her".<ref>{{cite news \| title = Madeleine: Does Mum's Diary Hold Vital Clue? \|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Padraic Flanagan \|accessdate = 2007-09-14 \|url = http://www2.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/19057/Madeleine:-Does-mum%E2%80%99s-diary-hold-vital-clue?}}</ref> ], on ], resigned as director of the ]'s media monitoring unit to become the McCanns' media spokesman.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Portuguese judge balks at ordering Madeleine McCann's parents to return \|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = David Brown and Steve Bird \|accessdate = 2007-09-20 \|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2473974.ece}}</ref> In his first media appearance, the following day, he said that there was an innocent explanation for any potentially incriminating evidence the police may have found.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Madeleine McCann: Parents are 'victims of heinous crime' \|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Caroline Gammell \|accessdate = 2007-09-20 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/18/nmaddy218.xml}}</ref>
	Then Gerry said that he believed his daughter's kidnapper had been hiding behind a door in their holiday apartment as he checked on his children.<ref name="kidnapper hiding">{{cite news \| title = Madeleine McCann: Gerry certain he was in bedroom with kidnapper \|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Caroline Gammell \|accessdate = 2007-09-23 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/21/nmaddy521.xml}}</ref>

	===Other suspects===
	The Portuguese police disclosed information, on ] ], about a possible suspect in addition to Mr Murat: this was a reference to a middle-build ], approximately 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) tall. However, the height of the man was subsequently corrected to that given on the Portuguese press release as 170 cm (5 ft 7 in). The man, aged between 35 and 40, was seen at 21:30 on ], by a close friend of the McCanns, but this information was only made public two and half weeks later.<ref name=pope/><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=458036&in_page_id=1770\|title=Madeleine: Family friend who 'witnessed' Madeleine's abduction 'wracked with guilt'\|publisher=]\|date=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1267576,00.html\|title=Madeleine: Police Have New Suspect\|publisher=]\|date=]}}</ref> According to Chief Police Officer Olegário de Sousa, the man, was carrying a child, or something which might have resembled a child. He fitted the description of a suspect being hunted by Spanish police for the kidnappings of Sara Morales, 14, and 7-year-old Yeremi Vargas, in the ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/8109/Maddy's+mother+clings+to+twins+in+sleep\|title=Maddy's Mother clings to twins in sleep \|publisher=]\|date=]}}</ref>

	Detectives tried to trace a British man who left the harbour in his yacht shortly after the disappearance, after having moored there for two years. A witness reported seeing a man carrying a child in his arms down to the ], hours after Madeleine disappeared. On ], detectives questioned four boat owners, three of them English, whose vessels were moored at the marina in ], a town about five miles from Praia da Luz.<ref>{{cite news\|url= http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1851545.ece\|title= Soham phone experts help in hunt for Madeleine\|publisher=]\|date=]}}</ref>

	A mystery sample of ] was found, on ], in the bedroom from where Madeleine disappeared. The DNA did not match that of the McCanns, their three children nor that of Murat. The PJ handed the sample over to the national forensic science laboratories, the ], and stated that there is a new suspect.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070518094642/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6638087,00.html\|title='Mystery DNA found in McCann hotel'\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-16}}</ref> In early August there was a suggested link with ] who had been on holiday in the area around the time that Madeleine went missing. Von Aesch, a resident of ], ], who was implicated by ] with the disappearance of five-year-old ] from ], ], had recently committed suicide.<ref>{{cite news\|http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2208999.ece\|title=Paedophile suicide in new Madeleine link\| author = David Brown \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.blick.ch/news/schweiz/artikel68417\|title=Polizei verhörte seine Frau!\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-07}}</ref>

	The occupants of the flat above that from which Madeleine disappeared reported an intruder who apparently had entered with a key. There had been a similar burglary in the complex some weeks earlier. On ], ]s were signed for the home of a new suspect.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/20/nmaddy120.xml\|title= New suspect in Madeleine McCann case\|author= Richard Edwards \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-21}}</ref>

	===Other aspects of the investigation===
	On ], ] received a phone call from a man claiming to know the whereabouts of Madeleine, using a mobile phone registered in ]. The call was described as "credible".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1269394,00.html\|title=Mystery Call Linked To South America \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-08}}</ref>

	In early June, ] ] Antonio Toscano claimed that two people had hired a convicted paedophile to kidnap Madeleine and that the man had been seen in a ] in ] a week before Madeleine disappeared.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Madeleine McCann Mystery: Maddy Kidnaped By Pedophile Gang? \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-06-18 \| url = http://www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_21285286.shtml}}</ref> Then, on ], Toscano claimed that Madeleine was alive and well in ] but Madeleine's parents refused to meet with him.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1272677,00.html\| title = McCanns 'Refuse To See Theorist' \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-28}}</ref> Determined to leave no stone unturned, police also examined hundreds of reports from ]s and ] claiming to know the location of Madeleine.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1866075.ece\|title=Madeleine police use psychic reports in hunt for girl\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-02}}</ref>

	The investigation was thrown into confusion on ] when the detective coordinating the hunt, Gonçalo Amaral, head of the regional ], and four other Portuguese police officers, were charged with alleged offences relating to the inquiry into the disappearance of ], from a village seven miles from where Madeleine disappeared.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1913175.ece\|title=Madeleine officer charged over another missing girl\|author= David Brown\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-12}}</ref>

	The ] newspaper '']'', on ], received a letter that suggested that Madeleine was buried on a hillside, near ], nine miles north-east from Praia da Luz. After a search of the area, however, the Portuguese police abandoned this lead on ].<ref name="DeTelegraafletter">{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/buitenland/65529721/_Lichaam_van_Maddie_vlakbij_appartement_.html?p=23,1\|title=Lichaam van Maddie vlakbij appartement\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate=2007-06-13}}</ref><ref name="BBCletter">{{cite news \| title = Madeleine police probing letter \| work = ] \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6749131.stm}}</ref>

	Controversy ensued on ], when Chief Inspector Olegário de Sousa said that the presence of so many people in the apartment from which Madeleine disappeared, after she was found to be missing, complicated the work of the scientific team. He added that this could have destroyed all the evidence and could prove to be fatal for the investigation.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Madeleine evidence 'may be lost' \| work = ] \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-06-19 \|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6761669.stm}}</ref>

	However, in early August, the British police team brought in to assist, found microscopic traces of blood on the wall of the apartment from which Madeleine disappeared and that had not been detected by the Portuguese police. Using specially trained ] and ] technology they discovered the blood despite the apartment having being cleaned and reoccupied.<ref name="blood found"/><ref>{{cite news \| title = UK lab to test blood found in Madeleine room \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Sandra Laville \|accessdate = 2007-08-08 \|url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2143554,00.html}}</ref> Samples of ], ], and ] were sent to the UK ] in ] for ].<ref name="first results">{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/05/nmaddy105.xml \|title= Madeleine police handed scientific evidence \|author=Caroline Gammell \|publisher=] \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-05}}</ref> Examination of the scientific evidential material is continuing and initial findings, described as "significant", were sent to Portugal around ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=480128&in_page_id=1770&ct=5 \|title= Madeleine: Parents kept in dark on key forensic breakthrough \|publisher=] \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-05}}</ref><ref name="first results"/>

	Following the publicising of the discovery of the blood spots, Sousa stated "The family are not suspects. This is the official position."<ref name="not suspects">{{cite news \| title = Gerry and Kate McCann deny they are suspects \| author=Richard Edwards \|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-08-08 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/07/wmaddy108.xml}}</ref>
	Then on ], Sousa added that new evidence had given "intensity" to the possibility Madeleine had been killed.<ref name="possibly dead">{{cite news \| title = Police fear Madeleine could be dead \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Press Association \|accessdate = 2007-08-11 \|url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6843301,00.html}}</ref> Sousa confirmed on ] that the ], which could only pick up the scent of a body which had been ] for more than two hours, had detected the scent of a dead body.<ref name="scent">{{cite news \| title = Madeleine sniffer dogs detect scent of body \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| author = Richard Edwards \|accessdate = 2007-08-15 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/16/nmaddy116.xml}}</ref> John Barrett, a former Scotland Yard dog handler, said that the dogs used to detect a 'death smell' on Kate's Bible and clothes were brought in too long after Madeleine vanished since the crucial scent lasts for no longer than a month.<ref name="flying home"/>

	The position of the police was clarified on ] by Alípio Ribeiro, national director of the Polícia Judiciária, who said that although there was a strong hypothesis that Madeleine was dead, it could not be confirmed and the investigation was nowhere near a breakthrough.<ref name= "no breakthrough">{{cite news \| title = Police: no breakthrough in search for Madeleine \| author=Ian Herbert\|publisher = ] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-08-17 \|url = http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2871504.ece}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| title= Madeleine McCann assumed dead \| publisher = ] \| author=Richard Edwards \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-08-06 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/17/wmaddy117.xml}}</ref>
	António Cluny, president of Portugal's public prosecutor's service, said on ] that "Without the little girl's body everything is extremely complicated". He went on to stress that all options from abduction to Madeleine's death were still open.<ref>{{cite news \| title=
	Madeleine McCann police 'must find her body' \| publisher = ] \| author=Caroline Gammell \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-09-25 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/24/nmaddy224.xml}}</ref>

	The Portuguese police investigation team was run down in October 2007. Following the removal of Gonçalo Amaral as investigation coordinator, other departures reduced the number of people working on the case from a peak of 200 to just six detectives which, with holidays, could mean as few as three working on the case at any one time.<ref name="Amaral gone"/><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/05/nmaddy305.xml \|title= Madeleine police team shrinks from 200 to 3 \|author=Aislinn Simpson \|publisher=] \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-10-06}}</ref> Paulo Rebelo, an assistant national director of the Polícia Judiciária, took over responsibility for the case on ].<ref>{{cite news \| title=
	McCann children 'were not alone in apartment' \| publisher = ] \| author=David Brown \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-10-09 \|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article2621809.ece}}</ref>

	===External assistance===
	Throughout the investigation support has been provided by the British authorities for the Portuguese police. Immediately after the disappearance experts from Britain were flown out to assist the Portuguese police experts and ] sent family liaison officers to help the McCann family.<ref name=anger>{{cite news\|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23395262-details/Maddy%20sighting%20in%20Nelas%20was%20a%20'false%20alarm',%20say%20police/article.do\|title=Madeleine's Parents 'Had Left Her Alone Before During Their Holiday'\|publisher=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-11\|date=]}}</ref> On ], ] released a ], issued to help locate missing persons who are not able to identify themselves, to all member police forces.<ref name="interpol">{{cite news\|url=http://www.interpol.int/public/data/children/missing/notices/data/2007/03/2007_23403.asp\|title=MCCANN Madeleine Beth\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-12}}</ref>
	A team of mobile phone experts flew to Portugal on ] ] to analyse mobile phone data from the area at the time of the abduction. They used ] techniques to track mobile phone movements down to a couple of yards.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/8254/Mobile+phone+experts+join+the+Madeleine+hunt\|title=Mobile Phone Experts Join The Madeleine Hunt\|publisher=]\|date=]}}</ref> More experts, this time from the British ], flew into Portugal on ] to assist the local detectives, for whom all leave had been cancelled, by developing a psychological profile of a possible abductor.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Madeleine: specially Trained Police Fly In \| publisher = ] \| author = David Pilditch \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-08-01 \|url = http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/15116/MADELEINE:-Specially-trained-police-fly-in-}}</ref>

	In early August, British detectives again flew in to assist. They were accompanied by specially trained ] and equipment for underground detection and ] instruments for identifying blood.<ref name="nothing found">{{cite news \| title = New Madeleine search draws blank home \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-08-06 \|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6932584.stm}}</ref><ref name="blood found">{{cite news \| title = Madeleine McCann: Blood found in bedroom \| publisher = ] \| author=Richard Edwards \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-08-06 \|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/06/wmaddy306.xml}}</ref>

	==Reported sightings==
	Many sightings were reported both in Portugal and elsewhere in the world, but none produced any firm leads. On ] ], the Portuguese police said that they believed that it was likely that the missing girl was still being held in Portugal.<ref>{{cite news \| title = New Suspects Could Be Questioned Soon \| work = ] \| publisher = ] \| date = ] \| accessdate = 2007-07-09 \|url = http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1274311,00.html}}</ref>

	===In Portugal===
	Police in the mountainous town of ], northern central Portugal, had received information of a girl matching Madeleine's description who was seen with a man in a supermarket on ] ].<ref name=portugalbbc>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6635463.stm\|title=Portugal defends Madeleine police\|publisher=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-08}}</ref> The man, a Belgian citizen, stopped at the supermarket with his daughter and left the place in a car before police were contacted, but police later confirmed that the sighting had been a false alarm.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.destak.pt/artigos.php?art=369\|title=Investigações da PJ seguem 350 pistas\|author=João Moniz\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-09\|language=Portuguese}}</ref><ref name=stepupbbc>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6636869.stm\|title=Police 'step up Madeleine search'\|publisher=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-08}}</ref> People in the resort came forward to report unusual incidents including 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.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.lse.co.uk/ShowStory.asp?story=HC837112Y&news_headline=staff_at_maddy_resort_were_warned_of_suspicious_man_\|title=Staff At Maddy Resort 'Were Warned Of Suspicious Man'\|publisher=LifStyle Extra\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-12}}</ref><ref name=photographer>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/05/11/wmaddy311.xml\|title=£1 million reward for missing Madeleine\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-12}}</ref> Portuguese police also investigated a report by holidaymaker Andre van Wyk. Van Wyk claimed that, shortly after the disappearance, he had seen a girl resembling Madeleine being taken in a ] to a ] camp near ], about ten miles from where Madeleine disappeared.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1964109.ece\|title=Pickpocket snatches father's photos of missing Madeleine\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-23}}</ref>

	On ], the ''24 Horas'' newspaper reported that police had found a vehicle near Praia da Luz that may have been used by the kidnapper.<ref name=iafrica>{{cite news\|url=http://iafrica.com/news/worldnews/844830.htm\|title=Video tape may show missing Maddie\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-08}}</ref> Further, ] video from a petrol station near ] showed a child matching Madeleine's description with a woman and two men. The child was having an altercation with the woman.<ref name=iafrica>{{cite news\|url=http://iafrica.com/news/worldnews/844830.htm\|title=Video tape may show missing Maddie\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-09}}</ref> The following day it was reported that the car from the petrol station had British number plates and it was claimed that the person caught taking photographs was one of the men on the CCTV footage.<ref name=numberplate>{{cite news\|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1265166,00.html?f=rss\|title=Service Held For Missing Madeleine\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-12}}</ref><ref name=photographer /> An anonymous witness contacted police claiming to have spotted a ] with a forged license plate in ], ], ] on ], which allegedly transported the missing child.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Carro põe polícia em alerta\|publisher=]\|date=], N°351, Ano 119\|language=Portuguese}}</ref>

	===In Morocco===
	Marie Olli, a ] woman living in the Spanish town of ], contacted the police on ] ], claiming she had seen a girl matching Madeleine's description in a petrol station in ], ]. The girl, who was said to have appeared sad, was allegedly accompanied by a man in his late 30s.<ref>{{cite news \|first=Vanessa \|last=Allen \|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_headline=can-i-see-mummy-soon---&method=full&objectid=19130944&siteid=89520-name_page.html \|title=Can I See Mummy Soon? Tourist says she saw Madeleine in Morocco..pleading with a man\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-20}}</ref> At about the same time, a British tourist reported seeing Madeleiene near the Marrakech ] hotel.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1285386,00.html?f=rss \|title='Any Credible Sighting Is Of Interest' \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-24}}</ref> Though ] subsequently discounted these sightings, officers from ] remained in ] for some days afterwards.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,276012,00.html\|title=Brits Follow Cell Phone Signals in Hunt for Madeleine \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-29}}</ref> A Spanish tourist saw a girl resembling Madeleine as she drove through the town of ] in northern Morocco at the end of May.<ref name="Zinat photo"/> Attention switched back to Morocco on ], after ] in ] picked up ] messages in ] referring to "the little blonde girl", a ] man, and a ferry from ] in ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/04/nmaddy04.xml \|title= Media 'may have scared Madeleine kidnapper \|author=Richard Edwards and Fiona Govan \|publisher=] \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-20}}</ref>

	A photograph of a blonde girl being carried on the back of a ]n woman was taken on ] by Clara Torres, another Spanish tourist, in ] in northern Morocco,<ref name="Zinat photo">{{cite news \|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2533072.ece \|title= New photograph shows child like Madeleine McCann on African woman’s back \|author=David Brown and Patrick Foster \|publisher=] \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-26}}</ref> but it turned out to be a Moroccan girl.<ref name="Zinat photo2">{{cite news \|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2538790.ece \|title= Girl in Morocco picture is daughter of local family, not Madeleine McCann \|author=Adam Fresco \|publisher=] \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-26}}</ref> However, it was announced on ] that ] ] was paying for ]s to search in Morocco.<ref name="PI search">{{cite news \|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2558233.ece \|title= McCanns send sleuths to Morocco \|author=Steven Swinford, John Follainin and Mohamed El Hamraoui \|publisher=] \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-30}}</ref>

	===Elsewhere===
	There were two sightings in ]. The first was during May in ] and the second occurred on ] on a ] terrace in ]. In the latter case, children’s ] Katleen Sampermans said that Madeleine was in the company of a ] man and an ] woman.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.express.co.uk/news/view/15724\|title= I'm Sorry I Didn't Rescue Maddy At Belgian Restaurant \| author= Martin Evans \| publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/03/wmaddy203.xml\|title=Madeleine sighting being taken seriously \|author=Bruno Waterfield\| publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-04}}</ref> However, the girl turned out to be the 4-year-old daughter of a Belgian man.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=476476&in_page_id=1770 \|title= Revealed: The girl at Belgian cafe who witnesses thought was missing Madeleine \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-21}}</ref>

	Security was tightened in ], ] on ] following five reported sightings on the island. The total sightings had risen to 29 by ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/21/nmaddy121.xml\|title=
	Five Madeleine McCann 'sightings' in Malta\|publisher=]\|author=Richard Edwards and Fiona Govan\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1272511,00.html\|title=Day 55: Vigil As Reporter Backs Up Claim\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-27}}</ref>

	Two women reported seeing a child who looked like Madeleine with a man at a petrol station near ], on ]. This was discounted after a thorough investigation by the Spanish National Police and Civil Guard.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6870978,00.html \|title= 'Madeleine Spain sighting' probed \|author= Press Association \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-26}}</ref>

	==Response to the disappearance==
	{{Main\|Response to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann}}
	] on ] ]]]
	Over the subsequent months Madeleine's parents implemented a ] that kept the disappearance in the public eye in many countries though there was criticism that the ] was excessive and lacked objectivity. The disappearance led the news in the ] for over a week with subsequent daily coverage of events. There was regular coverage in ] and periodic coverage in other countries.

	An official site for the search was set up and a fund-raising company, known as ], was launched. The directors of the company subsequently decided that no money from the Fund would be used to pay the McCanns' legal costs.<ref>{{cite news \|author= Adam Fresco and David Brown \|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2439634.ece\| title=Madeleine's parents consider new fund for legal battle \|publisher='']''\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-12}}</ref>

	The parents had an audience with the ] and embarked on a tour of key ]n and ]n countries, together with a visit to the ], to raise and maintain awareness.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/pope/story/0,,2091210,00.html\|title=Madeleine's parents meet Pope\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-30}}</ref> There were ] from many political leaders and sporting personalities and over ]2.6 million of ] were offered.

	The publicity spawned ] with fake websites set up, people collecting money on false pretences and others falsely claiming to have information on Madeleine's whereabouts. Following accusations in the Portuguese media against the McCanns, they announced on ] that they were ] '']'' for libel.<ref>{{cite news
	\| title = McCanns to sue Portuguese paper
	\| publisher = ]
	\| date = ], ]
	\| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6971662.stm
	\| accessdate = 2007-08-31}}</ref>

	==Criticism of the parents==
	<!-- Please note that criticism of the media and of public and political reaction has been incorporated in the 'Response to the Disappearance of Madeleine McCann' article. -->
	The parents have been criticised for leaving their children alone while they ate at a nearby restaurant despite the availability of a ] service and a ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/6627799.stm\|title=
	The 'family-friendly' holiday firm\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-16}}</ref> There has also been criticism of the parents in the Portuguese media. '']'' insisted that the McCanns were suspects and claimed that on the night Madeleine disappeared they had not checked on the children, contrary to what they told police.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2078098,00.html#article_continue\|title=
	Nine days on, but few tangible clues to cling to\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-12}}</ref> '']'' 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."<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/05/12/wmaddy12.xml\|title= Today Madeleine should have been celebrating\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-12}}</ref>

	Police questioned the couple on ] ] about why the three children were left alone in an apartment, with the patio doors unlocked, while they dined at the restaurant.<ref name="no leads" /> Pamela Fenn, who lives in the flat above, had told police that on the Tuesday night before the disappearance that she had heard Madeleine crying for about 75 minutes before her parents returned from dinner.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www2.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/17093/Mum-s-amazing-outburst-on-night-she-disappeared-WE-VE-LET-MADELEINE-DOWN- \|author= Martin Evans \|title= We've Let Madeleine Down\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-30}}</ref> In an interview with the BBC on ], the McCanns acknowledged the criticism, and spoke of the guilt they felt.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6692161.stm\|title= "Nightmare" of Madeleine parents\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-25}}</ref>

	In reply to questions posed to them on ] at a press conference in ], when radio reporter Sabina Müller suggested that their behaviour was not normal for people whose child had been abducted, they denied any involvement in the abduction of their daughter.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2096790,00.html\|title= Madeleine's parents deny involvement in her abduction\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-06}}</ref>

	On the ] website a ] to the ] was started on ] requesting that ] ] fulfil their statutory obligation to investigate the circumstances which led to Madeleine and her siblings being left unattended in an unlocked, ground floor hotel room.<ref name=petition>{{cite news\|url=http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Child-Safety\|title= E-Petitions\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-12}}</ref> In response, ] said it was "discharging duties in... a full and professional manner" but the family has declined to comment on the petition.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/6740315.stm\|title= Petitioners want McCann inquiry\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-13}}</ref> The petition was rapidly rejected because of the nature of the language used.<ref name=petition/>

	Following criticism in the Portuguese media of the behaviour of the McCanns, on ], the ] ]s held "informal discussions" to consider whether any offence may have been committed under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, which deals with ill-treatment, cruelty, neglect and abandonment of children under 16.<ref>{{cite news\| url= http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/14355 \|title= Maddy's Parents To Face Inquiry\|author= Matt Drake \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-07-22}}</ref> The family said the calls to prosecute the McCanns were hurtful and unhelpful.<ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=132384&command=displayContent&sourceNode=232710&home=yes&more_nodeId1=132393&contentPK=17919016 \|title= McCanns Hit Out At Calls To Prosecute \|author=Paul Conroy \|publisher=] \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-08-04}}</ref>

	==Criticism of the police==
	<!-- Please note that criticism of the media and of public and political reaction has been incorporated in the 'Response to the Disappearance of Madeleine McCann' article. -->
	There has been extensive criticism of the Portuguese police in the British media.<ref name="mirror criticism">{{cite news\|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_headline=clueless%26method=full%26objectid=19067596%26siteid=89520-name_page.html\|title=CLUELESS - We reveal errors made by police in kidnap hunt for Maddy\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/criticism-grows-over-search-for-missing-toddler/2007/05/09/1178390388572.html\|title=Criticism grows over search for missing toddler\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-10\|publisher=]}}</ref> It was reported that there were delays in obtaining and analysing scientific 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.<ref name="qaguardian">{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2074964,00.html#article_continue\|title=Q&A: Madeleine McCann\|publisher=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-08}}</ref>

	It has emerged that the police failed to ask for ] pictures of vehicles leaving Praia da Luz at the time of Madeleine's disappearance nor of the road between ] and ], on the Spanish border.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/05/19/wmaddy19.xml\|title= Maddy police ignored vital CCTV\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-20}}</ref> Mark Williams-Thomas, a former ] detective and now a child protection expert, on ] described the initial forensic science tests as "inept" and criticised the three-month delay in the Portuguese acceptance of the British offer of expert help. He said that the police should have sealed the apartment immediately, on day one, and then conducted a thorough forensic science examination.<ref name="blood found"/>

	The Portuguese police have, however, been working under legal restrictions. For instance, they cannot release information because they are constrained by Article 86 of the Portuguese ] that says information must not be released, apart from in exceptional circumstances, while the criminal investigation is still taking place.<ref name="qaguardian">{{cite news\|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,,2074964,00.html#article_continue\|title=Q&A: Madeleine McCann\|publisher=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-08}}</ref>

	Several Portuguese ] and opinion makers have criticised the massive police and law enforcement efforts, 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.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.correiomanha.pt/pda/noticia.aspx?id=241734&idselect=9&idCanal=9&p=200\|title="Joana só teve direito a uma escavadora"}}; {{cite news\|url=http://www.correiomanha.pt/pda/noticia.aspx?id=241734&idselect=9&idCanal=9&p=200\|title=Rui Pedro, Desaparecido em 04/03/1998. "NÃO FIZERAM O MESMO"}}; {{cite news\|url=http://www.correiomanha.pt/pda/noticia.aspx?id=241734&idselect=9&idCanal=9&p=200\|title=Rui Pereira, Desaparecido em 02/03/1999. "ACREDITO QUE ESTÁ VIVO"}}; {{cite news\|url=http://www.correiomanha.pt/pda/noticia.aspx?id=241734&idselect=9&idCanal=9&p=200\|title=Cláudia Alexandra, Desaparecida em 13/05/1994. "NEM O TEMPO APAGA A DOR"\|publisher=]\|language=Portuguese\|accessdate = 2007-05-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://semanal.expresso.clix.pt/1caderno/opiniao.asp?edition=1802&articleid=ES255208\|title=Joana e a menina inglesa\|author=Henrique Monteiro\|publisher=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-14\|language=Portuguese}}</ref>

	Parallels have been drawn with the case of disappearance of another child, ], who disappeared on ] ] from her home in the village of Figueira, seven miles from where Madeleine went missing. Chief investigating officer Guilhermino da Encarnação was also involved in that investigation, in which no body was found, but which ended with the conviction of Leonor and João Cipriano, Joana's mother and uncle.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1813842.ece\|title= Algarve police face mounting criticism\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-20}}</ref> Since then Gonçalo Amaral and four other Portuguese police officers have been charged with offences.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1913175.ece\|title= Madeleine officer charged over another missing girl\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-09-14}}</ref>

	The height of the man being sought by the police was given on the Portuguese press release as 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) but it mistakenly appeared as 5 ft 10 in the English version.<ref name=pope>{{cite news\|url=http://newswww.bbc.net.uk/1/hi/uk/6701819.stm\|title= Pope meets parents of Madeleine\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-02}}</ref> Madeleine took a favourite toy to bed with her on the night she disappeared, on which an abductor could have left some trace of DNA evidence, but police did not check it.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/01/wmaddy101.xml\|title= The 15 key blunders\|author=Richard Edwards\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-02}}</ref> Then on ] ], June Hughes, from Glasgow, who had stayed in the apartment the previous week with her husband, expressed surprise that the police had not made any contact with them.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/02/wmaddy02.xml\|title='We pray someone wanted a girl of their own'\|author=Richard Edwards and Fiona Govan\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-02}}</ref> Family members, on ], complained of harassment by the police when they tried to put up 'missing' posters at ]. There were suggestions that the Portuguese authorities wanted to prevent these posters being displayed over concerns about damage to their ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/9320/Maddy:+Now+Portuguese+police+object+to+'missing'+posters\|title=Maddy - now Portuguese police object to 'missing' posters\|author= David Piditch and Matt Drake \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-09}}</ref>

	There was criticism that, on ], two of the senior police officers involved in the case, Olegário de Sousa and Gonçalo Amaral, the head of the regional ], took a leisurely lunch and an observer commented that they laughed at what seemed to be an in-joke as the McCanns appeared on a television news broadcast. Olegário de Sousa defended their actions: "It is very, very sad but a person’s free time is for lunch," he said. "The persons are in charge in the day, they are working in the day but they must eat and drink, it is normal. I drink what I want to drink when I can drink."<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1901458.ece\|title=Madeleine officers defend their regular two-hour lunches\|author= David Brown \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-06-08}}</ref> Gonçalo Amaral, in an interview given to the ] in October, said "The British police have only been working on that which the McCann couple want them to and which is most convenient for them."<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/02/wmaddy302.xml \|title=Madeleine McCann chief detective sacked \|author= DAislinn Simpson \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-10-03}}</ref> Subsequently the PJ's national director, Alípio Ribeiro, told journalists at a conference in Lisbon on ], that Amaral's "commission of service has ceased".<ref name="Amaral gone">{{cite news \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7024934.stm \|title=Madeleine police chief removed \|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-10-03}}</ref> Amaral returned to his post in the PJ branch of ], the ].

	==Family==
	===Madeleine McCann===
	]
	Madeleine Beth McCann (born ] ] in ], ]) is the elder daughter of Kate McCann and Gerry McCann.<ref name=interpol/> She has a brother and sister, twins Sean and Amelie, two years old, and lives with her family in ], ], England.

	A notable identification feature is the ] in her right eye, a complete split in the ] consisting of a black radial strip reaching from the ] out to the edge of the ] at the '7 o'clock' position, about 30° clockwise from the bottom.<ref name=coloboma>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6650711.stm\|title=No end to Madeleine family agony\|publisher=]\|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-13}}</ref>

	===Kate McCann===
	Kate Marie McCann (née Healy, ] in ], ], ]), Madeleine's mother, is a medical ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/09/13/police-in-new-move-on-madeleine-mccann-100252-19785101/ \|title=Police in new move on Madeleine McCann \|publisher=] \|author=Thomas Martin \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-13}}</ref> She currently works in ].

	Kate studied medicine at the ]. Initially she specialised to become a ], but later became an ]. She met her future husband Gerry McCann while employed at the Western Infirmary in ]. They were married in 1998.

	===Gerry McCann===
	Gerald Patrick McCann (born in ], ]), Madeleine's father, is a ]. He currently works at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1674597.0.0.php \|title=Portuguese police make Gerry McCann a suspect \|publisher=] \|author=Alan MacDermid \|date=]\|accessdate = 2007-05-13}}</ref>

	==Notes==
	{{Reflist\|3}}

	==External links==
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Revision as of 13:45, 11 October 2007

She's Dead!