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Detectives from the Metropolitan Police
Service conducting the investigative
review into the disappearance of
Madeleine McCann have now moved to an
investigative stage of the inquiry.
Over the past two years the review,
whilst not complete, has been in a
unique position having drawn together
material from the UK, Portugal and
Private Investigators from seven
different companies. This process has
been complex and issues such as
translation of material have presented
particular challenges. To date some
30,500 documents have entered into the
process which has generated in excess of
3,800 actions. The actions that we have
completed have generated new findings
and new witness evidence.
Our review has sought to prioritise the
material, ensuring we are doing
everything possible to understand what
happened to Madeleine. In the absence of
any clear evidence to the contrary we
maintain our belief that Madeleine may
still be alive.
The MPS has conducted 16 visits to
Portugal and we have met and shared our
findings with key members of both the
Policia Judiciaria and Judicial
Authorities. Our relationship is
positive and we are grateful for the
co-operation we have received thus far.
We are satisfied that our review has now
progressed to a position where we have
identified 38 persons of interest. These
individuals are from a number of
European countries and we are now at an
advanced stage of dialogue with each
country. Over the coming months we will
be conducting assertive enquiries, with
the assistance of host countries to
establish more information about the
individuals concerned and any potential
involvement.
Twelve of the persons of interest are UK
Nationals who we believe were in
Portugal at the time Madeleine went
missing.
Officers, under Operation Grange, have
formally requested the Crown Prosecution
Service submit an International Letter
of Request to the Portuguese Authorities
seeking assistance in obtaining evidence
relating to lines of enquiry they wish
to pursue. This has been done with the
full support of the UK Government.
The MPS has requested, in accordance
with accepted Mutual Assistance
practice, that a small number of UK
officers are present in Portugal whilst
the enquiries are undertaken.
The MPS will be as open as our
operational priorities allow but in the
context of this complex operating
environment we appeal for media
restraint. There is a real risk that a
lack of restraint could serve to
seriously undermine our ability to
progress.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood,
heading Operation Grange, said today:
"We, and the Portuguese authorities,
remain completely committed to finding
out what happened to Madeleine, and
everything we do is utterly focused on
her best interests.
"We continue to believe that there is a
possibility that Madeleine is alive.
"It is a positive step in our hunt for
Madeleine that our understanding of the
evidence has enabled us to shift from
review to investigation.
"We have identified 38 persons of
interest from a number of European
countries. 12 of those people are UK
Nationals who we believe were in
Portugal at the time Madeleine
disappeared.
"Our working relationship with the
Portuguese Police is positive and now
that we have moved to investigation we
are requesting further specific
assistance through normal judicial
routes.
"We remain in close contact with Kate
and Gerry McCann and they are updated on
our current position.
"We continue to appeal for information.
If you were at the resort of Praia da
Luz between 28 April and 3 May 2007,
either on holiday or in residence in the
resort during this period, particularly
in the vicinity of the Ocean Club, and
you have not been spoken to by police
either here or in Portugal then please
call us on 0800 096 1011 if you are
within the UK.
The number for non-UK
residents is +44 20 7158 0126.
Alternatively if you do not want to
speak to us directly you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” |
