McCanns’ hope in anniversary week

Kate and Gerry McCann will mark the fifth anniversary of their daughter Madeleine’s disappearance this week amid renewed hopes that she will be found.

The couple are said to be “hugely encouraged” by Scotland Yard’s ongoing review of the case, which has identified nearly 200 potential leads.

But the Portuguese authorities have refused to reopen their investigation into how the little girl vanished on a family holiday to the Algarve on 3 May, 2007.

The McCanns, from Rothley, Leicestershire, have no plans to return to Portugal for the anniversary and will mark the sad landmark on Thursday privately with family and friends.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, who is leading review, spoke last week of his belief that the case could still be solved and launched a fresh appeal for information.

His team of 37 officers have sifted through 40,000 pieces of information and identified 195 “investigative opportunities”.

DCI Redwood believes that Madeleine was a victim of stranger abduction and says there is evidence she could still be alive.

He said the Metropolitan Police would like the case to be reopened, but stressed that the decision was one for Portugal.

Madeleine was nearly four when she vanished five years ago.