Menu
14/09/2007
Portuguese Police Examine Kate McCann's Diary
Portuguese police are reportedly examining a copy of Madeleine McCann's mother's diary as they continue to investigate the four-year-old's disappearance.
The BBC reported that police are examining a photocopy of Kate McCann's private diary, as well as a laptop belonging to her husband, Gerry.
Some Portuguese newspapers have printed what they have claimed are extracts from the diary as the case continues.
It emerged on Friday that the couple are meeting with lawyers to consider their next steps.
It comes amid a number of media reports on the case, including reports that 'bodily fluids' with an 88% match to Madeleine's genetic profile were found in the boot of the McCann's hired car in Portugal.
French newspaper 'France Soir' reported that toxicological tests on the fluids showed that the four-year-old had apparently consumed a large amount of sedatives.
Meanwhile, Portuguese newspaper Publico reported that police wanted to reinterview Mrs McCann, while separate reports indicated that police wanted to conduct fresh interviews with friends of the couple who were on holiday with them in Portugal when Madeleine vanished.
On Thursday, it was reported that British police had been asked to seize items of evidence from the McCann's home in Rothley in Leicestershire, including Madeleine's toy Cuddle Cat, which Mrs McCann was often seen clutching following her daughter's disappearance.
The couple, both 39, were named as formal suspects - or 'arguidos' - in the case last week, although they were allowed to leave Portugal to return to the UK on Sunday.
DNA evidence was discovered in a car, hired by the McCanns three weeks after Madeleine vanished. It was initially reported that it was a 100% match with the missing four-year-old, but Portuguese police have played down these reports.
A Portuguese judge is now studying a dossier on the case and reviewing the evidence against the McCanns to decide whether or not to bring charges against the couple.
Madeleine disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve on May 3.
However, crime expert Mark Williams-Thomas, has called for Portuguese police to re-open the investigation into the abduction of a Portuguese girl who disappeared in the same region three years ago in a case which he says bears a strong resemblance to the Madeleine McCann case.
In an interview with Sky News, former detective Mr Williams-Thomas said that there were too many similarities between the two cases for it not to be re-investigated.
Eight-year-old Joana Cipriano vanished from the village of Figueira - just seven miles from Praia da Luz - in September 12, 2004. She had gone to collect groceries but never returned. Her body has never been found.
Joana's mother, Leonor, and her brother Joao were convicted of her murder and sentenced to 16 years in jail. However, they claim that they were set up and forced to make false confessions. It is understood that five police officers have now been accused of forcing false confessions from the pair.
Mr Williams-Thomas told Sky News: "There are so many similarities between the cases it has to be eliminated. Therefore to consider solely Kate and Gerry McCann as suspects rather than considering all the options is ludicrous."
(KMcA/SP)
The BBC reported that police are examining a photocopy of Kate McCann's private diary, as well as a laptop belonging to her husband, Gerry.
Some Portuguese newspapers have printed what they have claimed are extracts from the diary as the case continues.
It emerged on Friday that the couple are meeting with lawyers to consider their next steps.
It comes amid a number of media reports on the case, including reports that 'bodily fluids' with an 88% match to Madeleine's genetic profile were found in the boot of the McCann's hired car in Portugal.
French newspaper 'France Soir' reported that toxicological tests on the fluids showed that the four-year-old had apparently consumed a large amount of sedatives.
Meanwhile, Portuguese newspaper Publico reported that police wanted to reinterview Mrs McCann, while separate reports indicated that police wanted to conduct fresh interviews with friends of the couple who were on holiday with them in Portugal when Madeleine vanished.
On Thursday, it was reported that British police had been asked to seize items of evidence from the McCann's home in Rothley in Leicestershire, including Madeleine's toy Cuddle Cat, which Mrs McCann was often seen clutching following her daughter's disappearance.
The couple, both 39, were named as formal suspects - or 'arguidos' - in the case last week, although they were allowed to leave Portugal to return to the UK on Sunday.
DNA evidence was discovered in a car, hired by the McCanns three weeks after Madeleine vanished. It was initially reported that it was a 100% match with the missing four-year-old, but Portuguese police have played down these reports.
A Portuguese judge is now studying a dossier on the case and reviewing the evidence against the McCanns to decide whether or not to bring charges against the couple.
Madeleine disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve on May 3.
However, crime expert Mark Williams-Thomas, has called for Portuguese police to re-open the investigation into the abduction of a Portuguese girl who disappeared in the same region three years ago in a case which he says bears a strong resemblance to the Madeleine McCann case.
In an interview with Sky News, former detective Mr Williams-Thomas said that there were too many similarities between the two cases for it not to be re-investigated.
Eight-year-old Joana Cipriano vanished from the village of Figueira - just seven miles from Praia da Luz - in September 12, 2004. She had gone to collect groceries but never returned. Her body has never been found.
Joana's mother, Leonor, and her brother Joao were convicted of her murder and sentenced to 16 years in jail. However, they claim that they were set up and forced to make false confessions. It is understood that five police officers have now been accused of forcing false confessions from the pair.
Mr Williams-Thomas told Sky News: "There are so many similarities between the cases it has to be eliminated. Therefore to consider solely Kate and Gerry McCann as suspects rather than considering all the options is ludicrous."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 September 2007
British Police Asked To Seize Evidence in McCann Case
British police have reportedly been asked to seize items of evidence from the home of Gerry and Kate McCann.
British Police Asked To Seize Evidence in McCann Case
British police have reportedly been asked to seize items of evidence from the home of Gerry and Kate McCann.
01 July 2014
Madeleine McCann Suspects To Be Interviewed By Police
British police officers have returned to Portugal to question a number of suspects over the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The suspects, who are all Portuguese nationals according to the BBC, are expected to be interviewed over the following days. All will reportedly be interviewed at a police station in either Portimao or Faro.
Madeleine McCann Suspects To Be Interviewed By Police
British police officers have returned to Portugal to question a number of suspects over the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The suspects, who are all Portuguese nationals according to the BBC, are expected to be interviewed over the following days. All will reportedly be interviewed at a police station in either Portimao or Faro.
06 September 2007
Madeleine's Mother Questioned By Police
Kate McCann, the mother of missing British girl Madeleine McCann, is being re-interviewed by Portuguese police. Her husband, Gerry McCann, will be re-interviewed tomorrow. Mrs McCann arrived at Portimao police station in the Algarve at 2pm local time on Thursday. She was accompanied by her lawyer Carlos Pinto de Abreu.
Madeleine's Mother Questioned By Police
Kate McCann, the mother of missing British girl Madeleine McCann, is being re-interviewed by Portuguese police. Her husband, Gerry McCann, will be re-interviewed tomorrow. Mrs McCann arrived at Portimao police station in the Algarve at 2pm local time on Thursday. She was accompanied by her lawyer Carlos Pinto de Abreu.
07 September 2007
Kate McCann To Be Formal Suspect
Kate McCann has returned to a Portuguese police station, where she is expected to be declared a formal suspect in the disappearance of her daughter. A large crowd gathered and shouted at Mrs McCann, 39, as she arrived for further questioning. Some people were showing their support for Mrs McCann, however there was also jeers from the crowd.
Kate McCann To Be Formal Suspect
Kate McCann has returned to a Portuguese police station, where she is expected to be declared a formal suspect in the disappearance of her daughter. A large crowd gathered and shouted at Mrs McCann, 39, as she arrived for further questioning. Some people were showing their support for Mrs McCann, however there was also jeers from the crowd.
14 June 2007
Police investigate tip-off in Madeleine McCann case
Police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann are investigating an anonymous tip-off which claims that her body is buried near where she was abducted. An anonymous letter and map were sent to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, who then passed it on to the Portuguese police.
Police investigate tip-off in Madeleine McCann case
Police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann are investigating an anonymous tip-off which claims that her body is buried near where she was abducted. An anonymous letter and map were sent to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, who then passed it on to the Portuguese police.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
