Madeleine McCann

[l444ry]

Madeleine McCann’s parents 'on tenterhooks' as Scotland Yard detectives fly to Portugal to arrest three suspects

 

 

 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/madeleine-mccann-kate-gerry-on-3087456#.UuhFpRBe68E

 

Excuse my naivety here but why would "A source close to the couple" have access to details of a police investigation and then leak them to the media?

 

[Trav Le Bleu]

I think we should get Sheriff John Burnell in on the case.

 

[Orkneyfox]

Excuse my naivety here but why would "A source close to the couple" have access to details of a police investigation and then leak them to the media?

 

I think " a source close to the couple" translates as "made up by our reporter".

[MikeyT]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26646885

 

UK police probing the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are seeking an intruder who sexually abused five girls in Portugal between 2004 and 2006.

Detectives say the attacks happened in holiday villas occupied by UK families in the Algarve.

The man, described as tanned with dark hair, is suspected of breaking in to 12 properties from 2004 to 2010.

Madeleine was three when she went missing from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Algarve, in May 2007.

The five girls - aged between seven and 10 - were sexually assaulted in their beds.

On one of these occasions, the man assaulted two girls in one villa.

'Serious offences'

Det Ch Insp Andy Redwood said the man had an "unhealthy interest in young white female children" - and tracing him was a priority.

"We need to establish the identity of this man," DCI Redwood said.

Two families said the intruder had worn a distinctive burgundy long-sleeved top

"These offences are very serious and no one has been charged in connection with them. We also need to eliminate this man from our enquiries and ascertain whether these offences are linked to Madeleine's disappearance."

Police said the man was bare-chested in some of the attacks, and some witnesses said he had a pot belly. Three victims said he had a "noticeable odour".

Two of the families said the intruder had worn a distinctive burgundy long-sleeved top, and one family said the top had a white circle on the back.

The man was said to have spoken English slowly, with a foreign accent.

While not identical, many aspects of the sexual assaults were similar, police said.

In most of the cases, the intruder appeared in the early hours of the morning and there were no signs of forced entry to the properties.

The suspect may have been in the villa or looking around for some time before committing the offences or being disturbed, either by a parent coming in or the child waking up, officers said.

He remained calm even when disturbed, they added.

The incidents had previously been discounted by Portuguese investigators because they were spread over a wide geographical area and there had been no apparent attempts at abduction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DCI Andy Redwood says he needs to hear from other families who may have been affected

Four of the 12 break-ins took place in Carvoeiro, two in Praia da Luz - where the McCanns had been staying - and six in Vale da Parra and Praia da Gale.

There are currently 38 people classed as "persons of interest" linked with the inquiry into Madeleine's disappearance.

Continue reading the main story “Start Quote

It is really critical for us to identify this offender and prove or disprove whether he was involved in Madeleine's disappearanceâ€

DCI Andy Redwood

Detectives are also sifting through details of 530 sex offenders whose whereabouts are unknown.

Of those, 59 are classed as a high priority, and some of those are British.

Police 'frustration'

Scotland Yard launched a new investigation - codenamed Operation Grange - into Madeleine's disappearance last July, two years into a review of the case, and made renewed appeals for information.

A high-profile campaign run by Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry McCann, from Rothley, Leicestershire, and a Portuguese police investigation had so far failed to locate the missing child.

The search for Madeleine was given fresh impetus in October when a BBC Crimewatch appeal that aired in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands prompted 5,000 calls.

In January, British detectives flew to Portugal and spoke to local police officers there.

DCI Redwood said: "This is an offender who has got a very, very unhealthy interest in young, white, female children who he is attacking whilst they are on holiday in their beds.

"It is really critical for us to identify this offender and prove or disprove whether he was involved in Madeleine's disappearance."

Investigators in the UK have so far sent three international letters of request to Portuguese authorities over the inquiry in to Madeleine's disappearance.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt said the slow legal process had caused "frustration".

"We know what we want to do and we are ready to go with that. But the process is the process," he said.

Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the McCann family, said: "Kate and Gerry still believe that Madeleine is alive and out there to be found, and that is why they are so pleased that the British police are doing such a good job on this."

[Facecloth]

Did this intruder play for Arsenal in the 2005/06 season?

[Strokes]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26646885

UK police probing the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are seeking an intruder who sexually abused five girls in Portugal between 2004 and 2006.

Ooh I will keep my eye out.

Detectives say the attacks happened in holiday villas occupied by UK families in the Algarve.

The man, described as tanned with dark hair, is suspected of breaking in to 12 properties from 2004 to 2010.

Madeleine was three when she went missing from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Algarve, in May 2007.

The five girls - aged between seven and 10 - were sexually assaulted in their beds.

On one of these occasions, the man assaulted two girls in one villa.

'Serious offences'

Det Ch Insp Andy Redwood said the man had an "unhealthy interest in young white female children" - and tracing him was a priority.

"We need to establish the identity of this man," DCI Redwood said.

Two families said the intruder had worn a distinctive burgundy long-sleeved top

"These offences are very serious and no one has been charged in connection with them. We also need to eliminate this man from our enquiries and ascertain whether these offences are linked to Madeleine's disappearance."

Police said the man was bare-chested in some of the attacks, and some witnesses said he had a pot belly. Three victims said he had a "noticeable odour".

Two of the families said the intruder had worn a distinctive burgundy long-sleeved top, and one family said the top had a white circle on the back.

The man was said to have spoken English slowly, with a foreign accent.

While not identical, many aspects of the sexual assaults were similar, police said.

In most of the cases, the intruder appeared in the early hours of the morning and there were no signs of forced entry to the properties.

The suspect may have been in the villa or looking around for some time before committing the offences or being disturbed, either by a parent coming in or the child waking up, officers said.

He remained calm even when disturbed, they added.

The incidents had previously been discounted by Portuguese investigators because they were spread over a wide geographical area and there had been no apparent attempts at abduction.

DCI Andy Redwood says he needs to hear from other families who may have been affected

Four of the 12 break-ins took place in Carvoeiro, two in Praia da Luz - where the McCanns had been staying - and six in Vale da Parra and Praia da Gale.

There are currently 38 people classed as "persons of interest" linked with the inquiry into Madeleine's disappearance.

Continue reading the main story “Start Quote

It is really critical for us to identify this offender and prove or disprove whether he was involved in Madeleine's disappearanceâ€

DCI Andy Redwood

Detectives are also sifting through details of 530 sex offenders whose whereabouts are unknown.

Of those, 59 are classed as a high priority, and some of those are British.

Police 'frustration'

Scotland Yard launched a new investigation - codenamed Operation Grange - into Madeleine's disappearance last July, two years into a review of the case, and made renewed appeals for information.

A high-profile campaign run by Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry McCann, from Rothley, Leicestershire, and a Portuguese police investigation had so far failed to locate the missing child.

The search for Madeleine was given fresh impetus in October when a BBC Crimewatch appeal that aired in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands prompted 5,000 calls.

In January, British detectives flew to Portugal and spoke to local police officers there.

DCI Redwood said: "This is an offender who has got a very, very unhealthy interest in young, white, female children who he is attacking whilst they are on holiday in their beds.

"It is really critical for us to identify this offender and prove or disprove whether he was involved in Madeleine's disappearance."

Investigators in the UK have so far sent three international letters of request to Portuguese authorities over the inquiry in to Madeleine's disappearance.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt said the slow legal process had caused "frustration".

"We know what we want to do and we are ready to go with that. But the process is the process," he said.

Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the McCann family, said: "Kate and Gerry still believe that Madeleine is alive and out there to be found, and that is why they are so pleased that the British police are doing such a good job on this."

[Jon the Hat]

Defo an Arsenal shirt of some description.

[The Year Of The Fox]

Surprised this thread hasn't resurrected yet

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2647004/Kate-Gerry-McCann-ready-significant-news-missing-Madeleine-British-police-prepare-dig-wasteland-Portugal.html

[The Year Of The Fox]

If they do find her where they're currently digging fingers will again be pointed at Gerry, especially considering that E-fit

[separator]

Kate McCann was my step-sisters GP when she was was working at the Melton surgery.... a little (very poor) claim to fame. No doubt the McCanns have made a fortune out of this, but I do believe their innocent. Hopefully this latest search will find Madeline and end this.

[Fox92]

No offence but it's dragged out for so long now. What is it? 7 years? They'll have been loads of missing people in that time yet this still gets a load of coverage.

I still think they had something to do with it.

[Jace]

Isn't it a little bit late to be searching a massive bit of wasteland right next to the hotel after all these years? I'm no Police detective but shouldn't this have been done soon after the incident happened? And also what type of evidence are the McCanns hoping to find that would possibly mean Madeline is still alive? A note saying 'Hi I found your toddler wondering around, call me to collect' lying about will very unlikely.

Edited 3 June 2014 by JACE_HOBBS

[The Year Of The Fox]

Isn't it a little bit late to be searching a massive bit of wasteland right next to the hotel after all these years? I'm no Police detective but shouldn't this have been done soon after the incident happened? And also what type of evidence are the McCanns hoping to find that would possibly mean Madeline is still alive? A note saying 'Hi I found your toddler wondering around, call me to collect' lying about will very unlikely.

According to locals near the site they've already searched the area shortly after she went missing.

[Jace]

According to locals near the site they've already searched the area shortly after she went missing.

 

Oh.

[ozleicester]

Horrific, bad enough to lose your child (especially from your own misjudgment) but to then be accused of killing them must be just horrific. 

 

People without knowledge or information or facts just stating "they dun it"

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Azaria_Chamberlain

[J.Lisemore]

Even if she were to be found alive, if i were her, I wouldn't want to talk to either of them again. Absolutely unforgivable.

[David Guiza]

Horrific, bad enough to lose your child (especially from your own misjudgment) but to then be accused of killing them must be just horrific. 

 

People without knowledge or information or facts just stating "they dun it"

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Azaria_Chamberlain

I don't condone this whatsoever, but also those who think they're heavenly people need to take a look at themselves. Nobody expects their child to get kidnapped (or whatever happened), but the way in which they left her alone in the apartment and have yet to been charged is nothing short of ridiculous. I'd imagine it's through fear of upsetting as to why they have not been charged, but regardless, it's wrong.

[ozleicester]

I don't condone this whatsoever, but also those who think they're heavenly people need to take a look at themselves. Nobody expects their child to get kidnapped (or whatever happened), but the way in which they left her alone in the apartment and have yet to been charged is nothing short of ridiculous. I'd imagine it's through fear of upsetting as to why they have not been charged, but regardless, it's wrong.

 

Terrible terrible decision indeed, and i am certainly not suggesting that they are heavenly by any stretch, but as almost all parents can attest, we have done something that on reflection was, dangerous, risky or just plain stupid, to our child/ren, but nearly all of us got away without paying the ultimate price.

 

I just think that until proven guilty (and lets be honest even then it can be questionable, Lindy Chamberlain) the parents are presumed innocent and... these innocent people made a bad judgment call and have to live every day with the responsibility of their childs kidnapping on their hands.

 

There are 3 questions id like answered...

1) (obviously) where is Madeline?

2) When hundreds of kids go missing every year, why is this one continually talked about?

3) Why so much distrust and "hate" toward her parents?

[DennisNedry]

Surely there comes a time when you have to admit defeat and say that this will never be solved.

 

The amount of time and money still being spent on this forlorn case is not justifiable anymore for me, when it could be spent much more effectively on cases that happened 7 days ago, not 7 years ago.

[Alf Bentley]

Terrible terrible decision indeed, and i am certainly not suggesting that they are heavenly by any stretch, but as almost all parents can attest, we have done something that on reflection was, dangerous, risky or just plain stupid, to our child/ren, but nearly all of us got away without paying the ultimate price.

 

I just think that until proven guilty (and lets be honest even then it can be questionable, Lindy Chamberlain) the parents are presumed innocent and... these innocent people made a bad judgment call and have to live every day with the responsibility of their childs kidnapping on their hands.

 

There are 3 questions id like answered...

1) (obviously) where is Madeline?

2) When hundreds of kids go missing every year, why is this one continually talked about?

3) Why so much distrust and "hate" toward her parents?

 

Your 3rd question is the most interesting, Oz.

 

Mysteries like this happen occasionally and are sometimes never resolved (the unsolved 1978 Genette Tate disappearance has been back in the news recently). It's a sad and strange part of life. I hope that I'm wrong but the terrible likelihood is that Madeleine was kidnapped by an abuser who was watching the flat, and murdered.

 

Why is this disappearance continually talked about? Initially the media (supported by the parents for understandable reasons) decided that it was a suitable case to help them achieve sales....photogenic little (white) girl from a "nice" middle class family, on the sort of holiday that many readers could relate to. Beyond that and it being an unsolved mystery (everyone likes a neat ending), it is the polarising effect of the parents that ensures its continued high profile...which brings us to your 3rd question.

 

Despite absolutely assuming that they are innocent, I don't find the McCanns appealing people myself. They seem like the sort of self-focused, conformist, competitive parents that I wouldn't like...but that's just me, and I don't know them! They might be lovely people. Maybe some people subliminally feel that they've had their 15 minutes on stage now, they've titillated readers/viewers enough and have outstayed their welcome, so their continued media presence irritates? The suspicion that they might have "dun it", fueled by their "irresponsible" conduct in leaving the kids alone also provides a lot of people who are unhappy, powerless or alienated in their own lives with an easy target to lash out at.

 

Did they "dun" it? I've no intention of getting into a debate along the lines of "but...arguidos....but cadaver scent...but Cuddly Cat", but it seems almost impossible to me. I don't mean impossible that parents - including "nice" middle-class parents - might kill their kid. That does happen so it's quite right that they should be eliminated as suspects. But, it's been established that Madeleine was at a play scheme and Gerry at a tennis lesson until late afternoon - and that the parents were in a tapas bar a couple of hours later. Are people really saying that 2 people either conspired to murder their child and planned to do it abroad, surrounded by people within a 2-hour time slot, or they accidentally killed their kid, immediately agreed not to inform the authorities, disposed of the body in broad daylight while looking after 2 infants and strolled out for the evening so relaxed that their friends noticed nothing?! Unbelievable, literally!

 

Were they irresponsible in leaving Madeleine alone? As a parent, it's not something that I'd have done - or that I'd have seen a need for, as there were about 8 of them on holiday together. Why not just roster 1 person to keep an eye on all the kids each night? But which of us judges everything right? When my daughter was 3, I was looking after her alone one night, put her to bed then realised that I'd forgotten to buy myself anything to drink. I'd had a hard day, so I waited until she was asleep, left her upstairs in the locked house, popped across the road (3-minute return trip) and bought a bottle of wine. No harm done. But what if someone had been watching the house and had broken in? What if there'd been an electrical fault and the house burned down during those 3 minutes? I might well have been pilloried in the tabloids as the country's most irresponsible parent...

 

If my child disappeared like this, I can't imagine ever giving up, so I don't blame the McCanns at all for not conveniently going away - and I don't think for a minute that they "dun" it, even if they made a big mistake and are not "my type".

[David Guiza]

Terrible terrible decision indeed, and i am certainly not suggesting that they are heavenly by any stretch, but as almost all parents can attest, we have done something that on reflection was, dangerous, risky or just plain stupid, to our child/ren, but nearly all of us got away without paying the ultimate price.

 

I just think that until proven guilty (and lets be honest even then it can be questionable, Lindy Chamberlain) the parents are presumed innocent and... these innocent people made a bad judgment call and have to live every day with the responsibility of their childs kidnapping on their hands.

 

There are 3 questions id like answered...

1) (obviously) where is Madeline?

2) When hundreds of kids go missing every year, why is this one continually talked about?

3) Why so much distrust and "hate" toward her parents?

I think a lot of the distrust and hate stems from the fact that they are wealthy. The class system in England will forever divide people and result in many casting judgement. Unfortunatley, there is no innocent until proven guilty in the minds of many. As soon as a high profile case reaches the news, a large number of people will already have apointed themselves judge, jury and prossecutioner.

Whilst I agree that many parents take risks regarding their children, I do think this particular one is substantially different.

[StanSP]

Surely there comes a time when you have to admit defeat and say that this will never be solved.

 

The amount of time and money still being spent on this forlorn case is not justifiable anymore for me, when it could be spent much more effectively on cases that happened 7 days ago, not 7 years ago.

 

I'm not a parent, and don't hope to be one for a while longer, but I'd suspect that if you're a parent and your child has gone missing, you'll never give up of hoping she may be found.

 

If they didn't do it, they'll obviously want some closure about it all, too - so if she's found dead or alive it'll be hard to move on and 'admit defeat'.

[stripeyfox]

I don't condone this whatsoever, but also those who think they're heavenly people need to take a look at themselves. Nobody expects their child to get kidnapped (or whatever happened), but the way in which they left her alone in the apartment and have yet to been charged is nothing short of ridiculous. I'd imagine it's through fear of upsetting as to why they have not been charged, but regardless, it's wrong.

I can't fathom why they left the kids. One of the wonderful things about holidaying in Portugal and other similar places is how welcoming they are to families. Restaurants in particular seem to be thrilled to have children to dine as a family and the staff always make a fuss of the kids. It doesn't make sense to exclude them in this environment. Fine, maybe you have to eat a little earlier so the little ones can go to bed, but surely if you're on holiday as a family then that's what you expect.

That said, it is terrible that they paid for their error of judgement in such a devastating way, or more poignantly, their daughter did.

[Steven]

She is/was blonde and cute and her parents are middle class.

 

[l444ry]

As time has passed, many seem to have come to a dislike of the McCann's as there is not one shred of evidence, not one tiny little bit, that an abduction took place.