29 Jan 2014

Madeleine McCann investigation: detectives fly to Portugal

British detectives fly to Portugal, reportedly to discuss possible arrests in connection with the inquiry into the disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann in 2007.

Splitscreen: Sign in Praia da Luz / Madeleine McCann

The team from the Metropolitan Police travelled to the Algarve after Portuguese police were asked to help with tracing three suspected burglars seen in the area where Madeleine disappeared, according to a report in the Daily Mirror newspaper.

British detectives, including the senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, met on Tuesday with members of Portugal’s Policia Judiciaria and prosecutors in Faro.

The Daily Mirror reports that discussions were focused on getting local officials to sanction the arrest and questioning of the suspects, believed to be a burglary gang.

Madeleine disappeared from the family’s apartment while her parents were eating out at a nearby restaurant with friends in the Praia da Luz holiday resort.

Officers have visited Portugal on a number of occasions during the last 18 months.

A fresh investigation was launched in July 2013 and televised appeals for information were made in the Netherlands and Germany. Particular attention has been focused on the mobile phone records of people staying in the Praia da Luz area at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance.