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McCanns ponder return to Portugal
Portuguese police have asked Kate and Gerry McCann to return to Praia da Luz for a reconstruction of the night their daughter Madeleine disappeared.
- Evening Standard
- Published: 00:28 April 10, 2008
London: Portuguese police have asked Kate and Gerry McCann to return to Praia da Luz for a reconstruction of the night their daughter Madeleine disappeared.
Detectives want to replicate the events of May 3 when the four-year-old vanished from her parents' holiday apartment in the Algarve. Friends of the McCanns, who were dining with them at a nearby tapas bar, have also been asked to return along with several other key witnesses.
The McCanns, both doctors from Rothley in Leicestershire, are considering the request but sources close to the couple suggest 40-year-old Kate's "emotional state" may be too fragile. Officers are planning the reconstruction for May 15 or 16 - a fortnight after the first anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance.
The couple, who deny any involvement in their daughter's disappearance, left Praia da Luz in September after being named as official suspects in the case.
Spokesman Clarence Mitchell said today: "Kate and Gerry welcome the idea of a Crimewatch-style reconstruction which is broadcast on television and will generate more leads and more calls in the search for Madeleine."
Wary of police motive
But sources close to the couple pointed out they had suggested just such a reconstruction last May and it had been turned down. There are fears the current request is an excuse to get the McCanns back to Portugal where police will attempt to put more pressure on the pair.
A source said: "There are concerns from some quarters if they go back as to what this reconstruction would achieve if it is not broadcast. Kate is concerned about her emotional state to do this. She is quite upset. They all want to get through this investigative phase and get themselves cleared and if this helps then fine. But it is always a worry when they don't know what the motives of the police are."
A legal source close to the couple said today: "They have been advised to come back. They want to clear this up as fast as possible and get on with finding their daughter."
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