‘police need to pursue every line of enquiry’

Closer speaks to former DCI Colin Sutton, 56, who worked for the Met Police for 30 years and helped find 13-year-old Milly Dowler’s killer. He talks about the theories behind Maddie’s disappearance.

the tapas Seven were Involved

theory: The Tapas Seven were friends who dined with the Mccanns that night. There has previously been speculation that the Mccanns or the Tapas Seven could have been involved, but this has been ruled out by police and no charges have been brought. Colin says: “The most important thing with this case is re-examining the events of that night. I understand why the police asked questions about the Mccanns and the Tapas Seven. The first place I would have looked is their group. People will think it’s unlikely anyone who knew Maddie was involved but, as with any case, every avenue needs to be investigated.”

MADDIE HAD a fatal accident

theory: Madeleine may have stumbled into the sea or been hit by a driver and then the body concealed. Colin says: “Incidents of children wandering off are much more common than an abduction. But if she had wandered off, it’s likely she would have been seen. Maddie loved her soft toy, cuddle cat, and it seems unlikely she would have gone anywhere without taking it with her.”

targeted by a trafficking gang

theory: Maddie may have been stolen by a family who lost a child. “The fact the Mccanns had a routine means they could have attracted the attention of a trafficking gang,” says Colin. “The children had been left alone for four nights previously, so anyone watching would have known they’d be unattended. They checked on their children every 30 minutes, which would have given abductors time to snatch Maddie.”

abducted by a lone opportunist

theory: Madeleine may have been abducted by a paedophile who noticed her unattended and snatched her. Colin says: “The chances of a paedophile happening across Maddie and being able to abduct her without being detected are remote. It would take a lot of daring to swoop on a child without pre-planning.”

killed In a bungled burglary

theory: Burglars killed Madeleine to stop her alerting people. “Even though it’s believed the police may be looking into the theory burglars were involved, I still think it’s extremely unlikely,” says Colin. “If a burglar had gone into the apartment for material theft, the chances are they would run a mile once they saw children in there. Burglars are often drug addicts and want something small, like phones or a camera, that they can sell for drugs. They wouldn’t be interested in taking a child.”