Paedophile raids in Portugal
Updated on 11 October 2007
Kate and Gerry McCann are said to be "extremely encouraged" by the seizure of 150 computers in raids on the homes of 80 suspected paedophiles in Portugal.
Clarence Mitchell, the family's spokesman, confirmed the computers were seized across Portugal as police infiltrated a paedophile ring.
He said: "We are naturally extremely encouraged by this kind of police activity.
"This was an operation undertaken by officers not on the Madeleine case, but we hope that there will be liaison between the two enquiries.
"If the police are looking at images on 150 computers there might be some information developed from that.
"We would be especially interested to hear whether any of the raids took place in or around Praia da Luz."
Speaking about the newly-appointed head of the investigation into the Madeleine's disappearance, Mr Mitchell said: "We welcome whoever is in charge and we would hope that he will work to eliminate any possible abductors and then refocus his efforts on finding Madeleine."
Until 2004, possession of child pornography was only an offence in Portugal if the material was to be sold on.
