British detectives have launched their own investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance and say they have “genuinely new” lines of inquiry and believe there is a chance she is alive.
Police from Scotland Yard have identified 38 people of interest including 12 UK nationals following a two-year review of evidence in the case.
None of the 38 people identified are known to the McCanns.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood said his team has carried out new witness interviews and was in a “unique position” in analysing information from police in Portugal and the UK, as well as seven private detective firms.
He said: “That has given us the ability to see this case with fresh eyes, and through that bring out new, genuinely new, lines of inquiry.
“And I’m hopeful when we pursue those lines of inquiry that we will be able to bring some sort of resolution.
“Whether we will be able to solve it is a different issue, but I hope that we will be able to have the ability to move the investigation on. I believe critically that this is an important moment for Madeleine.
“It is the culmination of that unique piece of work and it is a great opportunity which we intend to exploit to the full.”
Madeleine, then aged three, went missing from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal’s Algarve on May 3 2007, as her parents Kate and Gerry dined at a nearby tapas restaurant with friends.
The Portuguese investigation is officially closed but authorities there are backing the Scotland Yard inquiry and officers from both countries will work together in pursuing new leads.
A team of 37 Met police officers and staff are working on the case, and they are sending a formal letter of request to Portuguese authorities for help.
The 12 British persons of interest were in Portugal at the time Madeleine vanished, and are thought to be in Portugal or the UK. The remainder are believed to be in these countries or three other unnamed European nations.
Mr Redwood said: “We and the Portuguese authorities remain completely committed to finding out what happened to Madeleine.”