Search for Madeleine moves to Malta after 'sightings'

Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann from Portugal launched a widespread search in Malta yesterday after there were five reported sightings of her on the Mediterranean island.

On Saturday, a British couple reported seeing a blonde girl matching Madeleine's description walking with a couple in the capitalValetta. Maltese police carried an extensive search in the area and, after the reported sighting was publicised, four other witnesses came forward yesterday, claiming to have seen the same "blonde girl" on other parts of the island.

Police in Malta have mounted checks at airports and harbours and have distributed photographs of Madeleine, who went missing from her apartment on 3 May in the Algarve village of Praia Da Luz.

A spokesman for her parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, said they were not giving credence to the claims at this stage and were focusing their energies on a balloon release today to mark the 50th day since Madeleine disappeared. The event will aim to release 50 balloons in 50 countries.