Scotland Yard sifts Maddie case clues

Parents heartened that renewed probe has produced list of kidnap suspects.

Kate and Gerry McCann have welcomed news that Scotland Yard detectives have identified a number of suspects who could be responsible for their daughter's abduction six years ago.

Madeleine McCann, who disappeared aged 3 while on holiday with her British family in Portugal, "could be alive" say detectives. They have produced a list of people who they say are of interest to the inquiry and should be questioned.

Detective Chief Superintendent Hamish Campbell, the head of Scotland Yard's Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said the Portuguese authorities should now reopen its investigation into Madeleine's disappearance.

He said the Met's review had identified "both investigative and forensic opportunities" and said the people of interest could be explored further, if only to be eliminated.

The McCanns expressed their gratitude to the British police and said they were encouraged by the developments.

This month the couple said they were encouraged that three women who had been missing in the United States for a decade were found alive and well in Cleveland, Ohio. "Their recovery is also further evidence that children are sometimes abducted and kept for long periods.

"So we ask the public to remain vigilant in the ongoing search for Madeleine."

Madeleine disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on the Algarve on May 3, 2007.

Despite intense international publicity no sign of her has been found and the Portuguese police shelved its investigation amid much criticism in 2008.

In 2011, after a campaign by the McCann family, Prime Minister David Cameron, ordered a review of the investigation to be led by Scotland Yard.

A team of 30 officers re-examined thousands of documents, files and other pieces of evidence.

Campbell praised the the team and said it had done a fantastic job identifying further investigative and forensic opportunities.