Madeleine Death 'Probability'

The parents of Madeleine McCann have accepted there is a probability that she may be dead, their official spokesperson has confirmed.

Clarence Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry are realistic enough to know that there is a probability she is dead.

"They have not given up hope that she is still alive and is being looked after somewhere. But human nature is that you always fear the worst and they need to know what has happened."

However, in his blog on the 'Find Madeleine' web site, Gerry McCann said: "Contrary to some other reports Kate and I do NOT accept that Madeleine is 'probably' dead. We know it is a possibility, however the fact there is not evidence Madeleine has been seriously harmed gives us ongoing hope that she will be found alive."

Mr McCann also said: "The media frenzy is gradually subsiding with just occasional unsubstantiated reports of 'evidence' appearing. It is very encouraging that Mr Rebelo's officers will be seemingly reviewing all the material in the inquiry, which will hopefully identify areas for further investigation."

The Find Madeleine campaign is also releasing new appeal posters, which will be published in local newspapers in Spain and Portugal over the next few weeks.

Four-year-old Madeleine disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal on May 3.

Her parents have both been named as formal suspects in the case, but have not yet been charged with anything. Both deny any involvement in their daughter's disappearance.

(KMcA)