The Operation Grange investigation by the Metropolitan Police into the disappearance of  Madeleine McCann is actually said to be “upbeat” in addition to set to continue despite mounting costs, a top resignation in addition to apparently still no breakthrough in sight.

The latest episode in This kind of extraordinary case, with Scotland Yard detectives questioning ten people in Faro, does not seem to have resulted in any meaningful progress.

 The previous high point from the investigation featured British police searching across three sites next to Praia da Luz from the summer. Scorned by sceptics as a ‘whitewash’ in addition to a ‘circus,’ the searches produced no fresh evidence in addition to gave rise not only to exasperation among local citizens, however also speculation which the investigation was nearing its endgame.

The speculation heightened with news which the cost of the inquiry was approaching £10 million at a time of stringent budget cuts which could have disastrous consequences for police forces across the UK.  

The announcement which Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood was retiring by the Met as the head of Operation Grange further invigorated the notion which the case was going nowhere.

“After careful consideration in addition to a full in addition to rewarding career from the Met, the time is actually right for me to move on,” Redwood said.

A headline from the Mirror declared: “Madeleine McCann top cop quits: This kind of does send a certain kind of message.”

The paper reported which with Redwood’s resignation, “the inquiry into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann suffered a blow.” the item went on to quote a source close to the inquiry: “The investigation has gone on for three in addition to a half years today. However a lead detective would likely not typically stand down if they can see a result from the pipeline.”

If This kind of did indeed send “a certain kind of message,” the item was somewhat confused by the simultaneous announcement which DCI Nicola Wall was to replace Redwood as leader of the Operation Grange team.

This kind of left some observers wondering if the latest questioning in Faro was a last ditch effort which might soon lead to a formal wrapping up of the investigation.

Not so, apparently.

Anthony Summers, co-author with his wife Robbyn Swan of the book Looking for Madeleine, told the BBC Breakfast programme which, according to his sources, the Operation Grange team is actually “upbeat in addition to believes the case is actually solvable.”

There is actually said to be no political pressure, no hidden agenda in addition to no pressure or problem about expenditure.

The team still comprises about 30 officers in addition to support staff, essentially the same number as earlier from the investigation. The expectation is actually which they will continue ploughing methodically though a vast amount of information.

So, the indications are which although the investigation is actually taking a very long time with apparently little success, This kind of should not be interpreted as meaning which detectives are pessimistic about the case or about to give up.

the item has been known by insiders for some months which Redwood was going to retire. however immediately after the announcement, the Mirror quoted a senior Labour MP as saying: “There are times when public duty must override personal circumstances, in addition to This kind of is actually one of them. If senior officers were aware of the DCI’s retirement plans, why was he put on to This kind of case from the first place?”

Interesting question, however This kind of is actually a side issue.

The main thrust is actually which Nicola Wall has today met the senior Portuguese officials she will be collaborating with after formally taking command of Operation Grange on 22 December.

When Inês Sequeira was appointed Portimao’s fresh public prosecutor in October she was quoted from the press as being “utterly determined” to crack the case.

She has the backing of Portugal’s first woman attorney general, Joana Marques Vidal, Portimao’s PJ chief, Ana Paula Rito, in addition to the Oporto-based PJ detective in charge of the Portuguese investigation, Helena Monteiro.

Nicola Wall has served at the Met for 26 years, most recently as head of the Murder Investigation Team in West London. Hitherto she has not had much media coverage, however which’s about to change.

Vogue magazine last year reported which she prided herself on her investigative speed; which she was only partially joking when she attributed her low media profile to the fact “we solve cases so quickly nobody gets involved.”

   An omen perhaps?