Twelve years on, a new potential suspect in hunt for Madeleine
PORTUGUESE police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine Mccann 12 years ago have identified a potential new suspect, it has been claimed.
Detectives from the Policia Judiciaria have been investigating a predatory paedophile who was in the area at the time of Madeleine’s abduction, according to reports in the local media.
Reports in the Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã suggest Scotland Yard had tipped off its Portuguese colleagues about the lead. Policia Judiciaria refused to comment and a Scotland Yard spokesman said they would not give a “running commentary”.
The news came on the 12th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance and her parents, Kate and Gerry Mccann, issued a poignant message insisting they would continue the search “for as long as it takes”.
In a statement, the Mccanns spoke of the “comfort and reassurance” they took from knowing the police hunt to find her continued.
In a posting on the official Find Madeleine website, the couple said: “It’s that time of year again. As much as we’d like to fast forward the first couple of
‘There is comfort and reassurance though in knowing that the investigation continues’
weeks of May, there’s no getting around it.” The message continued: “There is comfort and reassurance, though, in knowing that the investigation continues and many people around the world remain vigilant.
“Thank you to everyone who continues to support us and for your ongoing hope and belief. For as long as it takes.”
Clarence Mitchell, the Mccanns’ spokesman, declined to discuss suggestions that a new suspect had been identified, saying: “We will not be commenting whatsoever on operational details in either Britain or Portugal. We are not in a position to talk about it.”
But a friend of the family said: “It is odd that news of this possible new lead has come [on] the anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance and we’re wondering if it could have been made up.”
Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, has said there are still “active lines of inquiry” being pursued by officers based at Scotland Yard, with the Home Office considering whether to fund the dedicated team for another year.
Ms Dick has confirmed that the force has applied for more money from the Home Office to continue the operation.
Speaking earlier this week, she said: “We have active lines of inquiry and I think the public would expect us to see those through. A very small team continues to work on this case with Portuguese colleagues.”