22/06/2007

Malta sightings investigated in hunt for Madeleine

Police in Malta are investigating possible sightings of missing British girl Madeleine McCann.

According to reports, a number of British tourists have reported seeing a child who resembled the missing four-year-old in the island's capital Valletta and the resort of Sliema.

Maltese newspaper Nazzjon reported that two tourists had told police that they had seen a girl matching Madeleine's description in the capital, while later reports said that four people had reported possible sightings.

Ray Roberts, from Anglesey in north Wales had reported seeing a child who appeared to be wearing a black wig, in the company of a man of Arab appearance in Sliema.

He said that the man told the child "Get up, little girl" in a heavily accented voice. He told reporters: "The more I think about what I saw the more convinced I become that it may well have been Maddie."

Superintendent Pierre Calleja of the Maltese police said a full-scale police investigation and a magisterial inquiry have been initiated following the sighting.

Madeleine's parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, have said that they are trying not to get their hopes up over unconfirmed sightings of their daughter.

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

She has now been missing for 50 days and the anniversary is being marked by the release of green and yellow balloons in 50 countries, including Ireland, the US, Argentina, Singapore, Australia and Afghanistan, where campaigners have been flying kites emblazoned with Madeleine's picture.

Singer Bryan Adams has also given the McCanns permission to use his song 'Everything I Do, I Do It For You' as publicity in their campaign to find their daughter.

(KMcA)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 September 2007
Morocco Photo 'Is Not Madeleine'
A girl in a photograph taken in Morocco is not missing Madeleine McCann, according to reports. It has been reported that journalists have said that the girl in the photo, which was taken by a Spanish tourist at the end of August, is from a local family.
14 October 2013
E-Fit Images Released Of Madeline McCann Suspect
The Metropolitan Police investigating the abduction of a three-year-old British girl called Madeleine McCann from an apartment in the Portuguese Algarve resort of Praia da Luz on the 3rd May 2007, have released two e-fit images of a man who is of vital importance in the case.
19 November 2014
Police To Re-Interview First Suspect In Madeleine McCann Disappearance
Detectives investigating the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann plan to re-interview Robert Murat, who was once considered a suspect by Portuguese Police. According to reports British police are travelling to Portugal to participate in interviews with 11 people, two of which are understood to be Mr Murat and his wife.
14 September 2007
Portuguese Police Examine Kate McCann's Diary
Portuguese police are reportedly examining a copy of Madeleine McCann's mother's diary as they continue to investigate the four-year-old's disappearance. The BBC reported that police are examining a photocopy of Kate McCann's private diary, as well as a laptop belonging to her husband, Gerry.
10 May 2007
Fresh clues in Madeleine disappearance
Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Portugal are following up four new pieces of information, it has been reported. It is understood that the clues came from hundreds of calls received by a special UK telephone line set up by Crimestoppers.