McCann inquiry 'about to be dropped'

Kellie

Source ITN news

The parents of Madeleine McCann are awaiting official confirmation that an investigation into her disappearance is being dropped.

According to reports in the Portuguese media, detectives have taken the decision due to lack of evidence.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: 'We are aware of it because we have heard about it on the grapevine.

'The team haven't heard officially so we are not in a position to make any comment.

'We know it's in the air but until we have had official confirmation we cannot make a comment.

'If the reports are true, it is to be welcomed that no charges are to be brought and it is entirely right because Kate and Gerry are innocent of any involvement in their daughter's disappearance and always have been.'

He continued: 'They have suffered for far too long in this process and the Portuguese authorities must now lift their arguido status.

'The police themselves must continue looking for Madeleine. We are concerned that if they are to simply shelve the case then what will happen to all of the information in their files?

'They must be made available to our investigators, who are working extremely hard to find Madeleine.

'If the police feel that they can no longer investigate the case that is a decision for them.'

Mr Mitchell said the McCanns would give their view on the investigation after they had been told officially that it had been dropped.

The McCanns from Rothley, Leicestershire, were on holiday in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz when Madeleine vanished from their apartment on May 3 last year.

No trace of her was ever found despite a huge international search and numerous reported sightings turned out to false leads.

According to the reports from Portugal, the inquiry is to be ended but would re-open if any new evidence emerged.