Hope end in sight to 10 years of torment

Few missing person cases have attracted as many column inches as that concerning Madeleine McCann. For many, it will be hard to believe 10 years have passed since the three year-old went missing during what should have been an idyllic family holiday in Portugal.

The laser-like focus on the case over the decade has surely been unprecedented, yet still no concrete leads have been found.

Authorities in Portugal were accused of botching parts of the initial probe, with British police heavily involved in more recent years.

Meanwhile, locals in and around the resort at the centre of the case have understandably tired of the constant media attention and relentless speculation.

Despite the passage of time – Madeleine would be a teenager now – her parents have steadfastly refused to give up hope and have been dogged in their pursuit of answers.

With the tenth anniversary of the disappearance now approaching, UK detectives have insisted they are following “critical” leads.

One possible line of inquiry surrounds a “burglary gone wrong”. It is to be hoped some meaningful progress is indeed on the cards.

Most people cannot even began to imagine the kind of torment those nearest and dearest to Madeleine have endured over the last decade – closure would be long overdue but nonetheless hugely welcome.