Madeleine McCann's parents appeal to Brit holidaymakers

Dec 10 2007

The parents of Madeleine McCann made a personal appeal today to UK residents who were staying at the same Portuguese resort on the day she went missing - but are still to come forward.

Letters sent earlier this year by Leicestershire Police to all those holidaying at the Ocean Club, in Praia da Luz, on May 3 produced “a good response”, said the couple’s spokesman, Clarence Mitchell.

But it is thought there could be dozens of Britons who were at the Mark Warner resort at the same time as Gerry and Kate McCann and their family but have not yet contacted police.

In a statement the couple, from Rothley, Leicestershire, said: “We would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information to help find Madeleine. Every call could prove vital.

“However there are still a few people who can help us further.

“We know for instance that there are a number of British people who were staying in or around the Ocean Club when Madeleine was abducted and who have not yet been interviewed by British police.

“We would therefore appeal to any UK residents who were in Praia da Luz on May 3 and have still not been spoken to by the British police to please come forward and contact their local police station.

“Alternatively, if you do not want to speak to police, please contact our confidential phone line based with our private detectives in Spain on 0034 902 300213.”

The move was not a sign of desperation but an effort to tie up loose ends in the continuing search, said Mr Mitchell.

Speaking in his blog on the official website set up to find the missing four-year-old, Mr McCann said: “In the summer it was agreed that the UK police would interview all British residents who were staying at the Ocean Club on May 3.

“There are a number of guests who have still not been interviewed. We would ask any British residents who were in or around Praia da Luz (not just at the Ocean Club) when Madeleine was abducted, and have not been interviewed, to contact their local police.

“We would like to thank everyone who has come forward with information. The smallest detail may provide a clue that leads us to find Madeleine. Someone, somewhere knows something and Madeleine needs his or her help.”