The parents of Madeleine McCann are launching a new 24-hour phoneline manned by private detectives, in a fresh bid to find their daughter. Portuguese police have given Gerry and Kate McCann their full backing in setting up the confidential number, said the couple's spokesman, Clarence Mitchell.In a "direct, heartfelt" appeal on Spanish television, the McCanns will urge people in Portugal, Spain and north Africa to phone + 34 902 300213 if they have any information about the four-year-old, he said.They are concentrating on that region because it is thought to be the area where the little girl is "most likely" to be, said Mr Mitchell.
In what will be their first televised interview since being made official suspects in their daughter's disappearance, the Leicestershire couple will say once again that they believe Madeleine, missing since May 3, is still alive. And they will tell viewers of the Antena 3 network that they welcome the work carried out by the new head of the police investigation, Paulo Rebelo.
Mr Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry McCann will today issue a direct, heartfelt appeal to the people of Spain, Portugal and north Africa to ask them for their help in finding their daughter Madeleine. Kate and Gerry will reiterate their firm belief that Madeleine is still alive, and they will urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem to them, to contact a newly-established, confidential 24-hour phone number operated by private detectives based in Spain." (Sky News)