Madeleine McCann's parents 'greatly encouraged'

Madeleine McCann went missing in May 2007. Photo / AP

Madeleine McCann's parents says they're "greatly encouraged" by the expanding British police investigation into the case of their missing daughter.

Kate and Gerry McCann released a statement Sunday indicating they believe new information made available to police and a detailed BBC "Crimewatch" show may finally turn up vital information.

The statement says the couple hopes the show "will bring further new evidence which will take us a step closer to finding Madeleine and to bringing those responsible for her abduction to justice."

The police said this week they are combing phone records of thousands of tourists and residents who were at a Portuguese resort at the time of the 3-year-old girl's disappearance in May 2007.

The "Crimewatch" show to be aired Monday will include a detailed reconstruction of the crime.

- AP