Madeleine McCann: Liverpool grandad hoping for a miracle

Feb 4 2008

Madeline McCann's grandparents, Brian and Susan Healy _320

MADELEINE McCann's grandfather in Liverpool said he is clinging to hopes for a miracle that his missing Leicestershire granddaughter will be found alive.

Brian Healey, 67, spoke out after Portugal's top policeman said Kate and Gerry McCann had been made suspects - or arguidos - too readily.

Mr Healey said he was pleased that Alipio Rebeiro, national director of the Policia Judiciaria, said detectives were too hasty in making the couple suspects over their daughter's disappearance.

But the grandfather said he fears the Portuguese police will still not clear them following Mr Rebeiro's remarks.

He said: "I am glad he has said it. It will get things moving to reinstate the fact they're innocent.

"The sooner the arguido status is taken off them the better, but I don't know if they will."

Commenting on news that divers are searching a reservoir in Silves, 40 miles from where the four-year-old vanished in Praia da Luz, Mr Healey said, he clung to the belief that Madeleine was still alive.

He said: "Like most people I would like to think that if there is a spark of hope I have to hang on to it.

"They haven't found anything yet. We have to believe a miracle can happen.

"I still believe she is alive and until someone tells me different I will believe."