News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

World News

Vicar says Portugal has no interest in Madeleine McCann case

A vicar based in Portugal has told Premier that people are no longer interested in the Madeleine McCann case.

Revd Paul Luckman's comments come more than six years after she went missing.

Catholics Gerry and Kate McCann say their daughter is still at the front of their minds ahead of a fresh appeal which will be broadcast across Europe this evening.

Detectives have also come up with two images of a man they want to speak to.

The e-fits have been put together from the descriptions of two separate witnesses who say they saw him in the Praia da Luz area on the night the three-year-old went missing.

There's not much to go on and he's been described as aged 20 to 40, of medium height and medium build.

Revd Luckman, who also writes for the English speaking paper, the Portugal News has told Premier's Des Busteed that the media interest in the case has withered away in the country.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood has said they are releasing two images, thought to be of the same man:

"The e-fits are clear and I'd ask the public to look very carefully at them, and if they know who this person is, please come forward", he said.

Officers say the images aren't the only line of inquiry they're looking into, but they hope to jolt the memory of anyone who was in the resort the night Madeleine went missing.

Criminologist Mark Williams-Thomas thinks the Europe wide TV appeal will help, he said:

"There is always hope, don't forget investigations even twenty, thirty years later; cold-case reviews are undertaken and offenders are brought to justice. 

"So it's never too late, of course it's more difficult as time elapses particularly with Praia da Luz, which has a very transient community".

The Prime Minister has been also reacting to the latest developments. David Cameron has said: I'm very pleased that Scotland Yard are doing this work and the Government has helped to fund the work that is being done. This was a crime that touched the heart of everyone in the country and everyone would like to see it resolved , so I hope Scotland Yard continue their work and I wish them every success".

Since launching its own investigation in July, Scotland Yard has identified 41 persons of interest including 15 UK nationals.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate