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Claims against Kate 'ludicrous'

By Channel 4 News

Updated on 07 September 2007

Family friends have rejected suggestion that Madeleine McCann's parents killed their daughter.

Brian Kennedy, a great uncle of the missing Leicestershire youngster, spoke out after it was announced that her mother, Kate McCann, was expected to become a formal suspect - known in Portugal as arguida status.

He said: "As you can imagine, the family of Kate and Gerry McCann have been shocked by the news of recent events in Portugal and the campaign against them.

"We are sure that all those who have given their tremendous support over the past months will be equally amazed and disbelieving of what this wonderful couple are having to contend with, having already suffered the loss of their much-loved Madeleine.


'The notion that either of them would or could harm one of their children is ludicrous.'
Family statement

"The notion that either of them would or could harm one of their children is ludicrous."

Mr Kennedy said the couple were "absolutely devoted" to Madeleine and the twins and that no one who knows them would believe that they would hurt them in any way.

He added: "Their family and friends support them totally and we are sure that everyone else who has been kind in their letters and prayers, and financially, will continue to believe in them and hope for a speedy and just outcome to the present situation."

Madeleine's aunt, Philomena McCann, told BBC News 24 that the development was a "complete outrage".

She said: "Kate and Gerry have pushed this investigation as much as they possibly can. To actually claim that Kate is a suspect is ludicrous as much as it is insulting."

When it was put to her that the arguida status would give her some legal protection, she said: "They don't need to be protected by the law. They needed to be protected by the perpetrator and we have to focus on catching the perpetrator.

"Kate and Gerry don't need protection. They are innocent of all these ludicrous suggestions."

On the possibility that there may be charges, she added: "It's a possibility, it is not something we have discussed in the same way."

She added: "It just seems ridiculous. It's so untrue its just not possible."

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