Madeleine McCann search shelved by Portuguese police

Jul 21 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

THE Madeleine McCann investigation was shelved by the Portuguese authorities today after they found no evidence that the three suspects committed any crimes.

The young girl’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, were formally cleared of involvement in their daughter’s disappearance after having their status as “arguidos”, or formal suspects, lifted.

The investigation can be re-opened if new evidence comes to light, the office of Portugal’s attorney-general, Fernando Jose Pinto Monteiro, said in a statement.

The third suspect in the case, Algarve property consultant Robert Murat, also had his arguido status lifted.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: ``Kate and Gerry have now been informed of the attorney-general's statement from Portugal.

“It’s far too early to give their immediate reaction yet, but they are, of course, liaising closely with their lawyers in Portugal and Britain.

“Once they have digested the content of the attorney-general’s statement and any implications, they will give a reaction a little later this evening.”

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: ``Kate and Gerry have now been informed of the attorney-general's statement from Portugal.

“It’s far too early to give their immediate reaction yet, but they are, of course, liaising closely with their lawyers in Portugal and Britain.

“Once they have digested the content of the attorney-general’s statement and any implications, they will give a reaction a little later this evening.”