The parents of Madeleine McCann say they remain “optimistic” of finding their daughter, ahead of a Crimewatch appeal attempting to shed new light on the circumstances of her disappearance.
Gerry McCann said he and wife Kate “won’t accept Madeleine is dead until we see clear evidence” otherwise.
The little girl, from Leicestershire, was three years old when she vanished from Praia da Luz in Portugal in May 2007.
His comments came as Scotland Yard Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said it is hoped the televised appeal next week will produce new witnesses although he said a conclusion to the case is not imminent.
A reconstruction of the “latest, most detailed understanding” of the events around the time Madeleine went missing will be shown on Crimewatch next Monday.
It comes after the Metropolitan Police revealed a vast log of mobile phone traffic could be the key to finding out what happened to the girl.
In an interview with ITV, Mr McCann said the family were encouraged.
“There have been a number of cases over the last few years of children and young women being found after having been taken and held for very long periods of time.
“As parents, we won’t accept Madeleine is dead until we see clear evidence that that is the case.
“We are very pleased with the work of the Metropolitan Police and we’re confident that the appeals will hopefully lead to new information and bring us a step closer to finding Madeleine and those responsible for taking her.”
Praising the work of the Met Police, he added: “We’re encouraged. We’re optimistic that new pieces will be uncovered which will fill in parts of the jigsaw.”
Scotland Yard detectives, who have interviewed 442 people as part of their review-turned-investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance, hope to track down as many people present in Praia da Luz on or around May 3 2007 as possible.
Mr Rowley said it was vital the public focused on new facts rather than speculation.
“It is clearly too early to speculate about where this will lead,” he added.