Madeleine McCann: Police Appeal To Locals

Police investigating Madeleine McCann’s disappearance have made a direct appeal for help to the residents of Praia Da Luz.

Residents of the Portugese town where three-year-old Madeleine went missing have become fed-up of the constant media attention.

But Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood urged locals to look at new e-fits and consider new evidence, and come forward if they can help.

He said: “What I would say specifically is that this change of emphasis in terms of the timeline between 9pm and 10pm means we can genuinely ask the public in Praia Da Luz to go back over that time, and look at those efforts, and if you recognise someone in the local community please have the confidence to come forward to us.”

Six local officers based in Faro have been appointed to liaise with British police.

The Metropolitan Police‘s Operation Grange has been reviewing the evidence gathered by both the Portuguese police, and private detectives, and has come to a conclusion which they say completely changes the timeline of what happened on May 3, 2007.

A man thought to be a key suspect in the abduction of Madeleine has been identified and ruled out of the inquiry.

Four new e-fits of people police wish to speak to in connection with Madeleine’s apparent abduction have now been released.

They are based on witness accounts of men seen in the area, some of whom may have been working as “charity collectors” who may or may not be genuine.

The fresh police appeal comes as a BBC Crimewatch programme aired featuring a detailed reconstruction of the McCann’s visit to the resort, as part of the family’s latest appeal for help.

Her parents Gerry and Kate McCann appeared live in the studio and said they were “feeling hopeful and optimistic”.

“These cases can get solved and that’s what the public need to think about tonight,” said Gerry McCann.

“We don’t know what’s happened to Madeleine, we don’t know who’s taken her. The best chance of finding her is by identifying (the person who took her).”

Kate McCann said: “It doesn’t matter how much heartache we put ourselves through as long as we get the result that we need.”

She appealed to viewers to have “the courage and confidence to come forward”, adding they could hold the key to “unlock” the case.

:: Sky News will show a special investigation tonight at 8.30pm on Sky Channel 501, Virgin Media 602 and Freeview 82.

Madeleine McCann: Police Appeal To Locals