Sunday People

Maddie search ‘a bit like Groundhog Day

Parents’ 15th Xmas without her

- By Tracey Kandhola and Dan Warburton

THE parents of missing Madeleine Mccann told of how the search for their daughter is a “bit like Groundhog Day” as they spent their 15th Christmas without her.

Kate and Gerry, both 53, said “work and progress” continues on the global hunt – but with “no significan­t” developmen­ts.

In a festive message to supporters, they said: “It feels a little bit like Groundhog Day with Covid and its requiremen­t for social distancing and face masks, and sadly more suffering for many.

“We’d all hoped and probably expected things to be quite different by now.

It’s a little similar in some ways with the investigat­ion to find Madeleine.”

The message on their website, findmadele­ine.com, added: “This is our 15th Christmas without Madeleine and yet we still receive so many kind words of encouragem­ent and support, not to mention the many cards. Amazing and humbling – thank you so much.”

Madeleine was three when she disappeare­d from the family’s holiday apartment at the Ocean Club complex in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007.

German prosecutor­s say they are sure she was abducted and murdered by paedophile Christian Brueckner – who has always denied the allegation­s.

The jailed 45-year-old was named as the prime suspect in June 2020, after mobile records placed him in the area of the resort the night Madeleine vanished. And an ex-pal told German police Brueckner admitted in 2008 that he was involved in her disappeara­nce.

Cops are said to have tried to get a confession out of the rapist by sending an undercover investigat­or posing as a lag into his jail. Prosecutor­s said “no comment” when asked about the alleged “sting”.

The Met are “working closely” with Portuguese and German cops. Commission­er Cressida Dick said they will carry on “until there is nothing left to do”.

Kate and Gerry, of Rothley, Leics, try to keep the festive season as normal as possible for their twins Sean and Amelie, 16. Kate previously said: “Madeleine should be here… But we have not lost hope that we may get to celebrate another Christmas with her.”

feedback@people.co.uk

 ?? ?? MYSTERY: Maddie and, below, Hope logo on the website
SUSPECT: Brueckner ‘HUMBLING’: Kate and Gerry Mccann
MYSTERY: Maddie and, below, Hope logo on the website SUSPECT: Brueckner ‘HUMBLING’: Kate and Gerry Mccann

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom