Madeleine McCann case: British prosecutors discuss new leads

Madeleine McCann disappeared in the Praia de Lux resort in Portugal (PA)

Crown prosecutors have travelled to Portugal for the first time to discuss new leads over the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Alison Saunders, the chief prosecutor at CPS London, and her deputy, Jenny Hopkins, met their counterparts in Lisbon in April to discuss “possible next steps”.

They joined detectives who have identified a list of potential suspects and further forensic opportunities to try to find out what happened to the girl, who was three when she went missing in May 2007.

The investigation was shelved in 2008, but in 2011, in response to a request from Madeleine’s family, the Home Office ordered a review by Metropolitan Police detectives.

Last month, Detective Chief Superintendent Hamish Campbell said the review had thrown up “both investigative and forensic opportunities” and had identified “more than a handful of people of interest”.

A spokesperson for the CPS said yesterday: “Prosecutors from CPS London and [Met] investigators visited their Portuguese counterparts on 17-18 April to discuss possible next steps in relation to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. We continue to work with the police on this case.”

Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, said last month they were encouraged by Operation Grange and said police seemed “more determined than ever”.