I don't want it to be them but it sniffs a bit to me...

- Harry, UK, 12/9/2007 23:25

Whichever way you look at it this is a really terrible case... I just hope that we get to find Maddie, alive or sadly dead, so that the McCanns and the watching world can put this suspense to rest.

- Mark Brenner, Arcachon, France, 12/9/2007 23:32

I think it wold be wise to comment no further on this publicity-driven case until evidence is presented. Speculation about the guilt or innocence of people is hurtful.

Second guessing is odious.

- Thomas, London, United Kingdom, 12/9/2007 23:47

The case against the McCanns is an absolute farce. It would be funny if it were not so tragic for them. Kate is an elegant, loving mother and to have to go through this nonsense with the dignity and poise that she has showed over the past few months, does her credit. Where is the motive and opportunity for murder, accidental or otherwise? An overdose and then hide the body for three weeks and transport it around in a rental car in the heat?!

Nonsense.

- John Humphrey, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA., 12/9/2007 23:55

I just can't believe a mother would talk that way about her daughter... So you don't believe that she was kidnapped and is alive anymore?

- Tf, Australia, 13/9/2007 0:07

I find it odd that a mother who is searching for her missing child could make the statement, "Find Madeleine's body and prove we killed her".

When a child is missing the parents do not usually refer to them as having been killed, they tend to hold out for hope long after that hope has died. A parent will simply not suggest that their beloved child may be dead. What if poor Madeleine is still alive and heard this dreadful comment? What signal does that send to her? It tells her that dad and mom have all but given up on finding her. For a parent, the sudden death of a child is never an option.

We may not want to believe that Madeleine's parents had anything to do with her disappearance and, God forbid, the possibility of more sinister events, yet this statement made by Madeleine's parents has me perplexed and quite concerned.

- Otto Roder, Oregon, United States, 13/9/2007 0:19

Poor Madeleine! In Portugal, we have cried and prayed so much for you! Justice must be done! May God help find your little body so we know what happened to you!

- Alexandra Menezes, Praia da Luz, Portugal, 13/9/2007 0:46

Theorizing for one moment that Madeline was indeed accidently killed by either or both of her parents; whether by physical trauma (or speculating even more wildly, by an accidental double dose of sleeping pills administered to ensure an uninterupted dinner/evening) - it just does not make sense that two so devoutly religious people would be able to continue to function throughout each day undertaking all the action they have - including visiting the Pope - to keep public attention on Madeleine, whilst harbouring the secret knowledge that they themselves had assigned their beloved daughter to an unconcecrated, unmarked grave. If the McCann's actions were the unwitting cause of Madeline's death and they initially panicked, assuming that because they are both doctors an accidental death would not be believed, I think their faith and compassion would have prompted them not to cover up but to immediately own up: ergo - they did not kill Madeleine.

- Jean Booth, Voorburg, The Netherlands, 13/9/2007 0:57

I continue to support the McCanns and keep them in my thoughts and prayers. Here in the US, several of our media outlets seem bent on convicting the McCanns already. This is absolutely ridiculous!

- Christina, Kansas, USA, 13/9/2007 2:23

Since the Portuguese police haven't been saying anything, it's not their case - if there is even a case - that is being undermined. It's the case we have been shown which is based on alleged leaks as reported in Portuguese newspapers and repeated the world over almost as facts. It's odd that people seem to accept what the Portuguese press say without question but second-guess the police's every move!

I'm tired of all this, I just want Maddie found! Poor dear! The only innocent victim here but everyone's forgetting her!

- Oliver, Reading, UK, 13/9/2007 2:52

A body is not required for a prosecution. The McCanns lawyer should know that.

- Lusa, Portugal, 13/9/2007 3:05

It seems to me that the Portuguese press are fabricating stories to make the McCanns look guilty. Why are they allowed to get away with this?

- Lisa Pedro, London, 13/9/2007 3:10

Sounds like the kind of remark a grieving parent would make!

- Caroline, Manchester, 13/9/2007 3:12

Aggressively 'challenging' the police is unwise. It's not a duel.

- Simon, Dawlish, 13/9/2007 3:23

My heart goes out to these grieving parents. To have lost your child and not even know where she is or even if she is still alive has to be a nightmare for them. But to be blamed for her death and have police wanting to destroy her toys? Why on earth would anyone want to do that? What on earth would that accommplish other than to cause even more pain? Heartless, absolutely heartless.

- Maureen Carling, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, 13/9/2007 3:29

If the hair found in their car is found to be from a dead person, they won´t need a body to find them guilty. The police are probably trying to break their nerve for a confession because I don´t believe they have enough real evidence.

- David, UK, 13/9/2007 4:30

I think that is a fair commit of the McCanns.

- Frank J Holloway, Devon, UK, 13/9/2007 5:25

Doesn't the UK have a satellite system in the sky that takes images on the earth? The US has it, but it hasn't ever been used in a court trial or for crime solving purposes. I don't know why law enforcement doesn't ask to use these images in cases like this.

- Kc, NY, NY USA, 13/9/2007 6:08

For a country that doesn't allow people to talk publicly about an ongoing criminal investigation, the Portugese police (or someone close to them) seem to be publicising a lot of information. All of this prejudices the McCanns' terribly.

Don't forget that Lindy Chamberlain was falsely convicted and imprisoned based on a combination of bad press and forensic "blood" samples - later proved to be caramel milkshake, copper oxide dust and bituminous sound-deadener sprayed on the car during manufacture.

- Liz, Sydney, Australia, 13/9/2007 6:12

Maybe the police are covering up for someone?

- Sian Dhariwal, London, 13/9/2007 6:33

Can the police find out who hired the car before the McCanns? Might be a good idea.

- Ok Then, Australia, 13/9/2007 7:02

"Sir Alec Jeffreys, the inventor of DNA fingerprinting, said he was prepared to act as an expert witness for the McCanns."

Why is Sir Alec Jeffreys not neutral in such a case like this?

If the couple are innocent, why do not stay in Portugal until the case will be closed?

Why is this couple different from the other ones missing their child? Why do they get so much publicity and the others not? Why are they treated in a different way from other English parents who lost their child?

- Andy, England, 13/9/2007 7:07

It appears to me that the Portuguese police are clutching at straws and trying everything rather than admit their incompetence in this case.

- Nigel Geary, Jersey, Channel Islands, 13/9/2007 7:22

Under Engish law, and that of many countries, a body is not necessary for a murder conviction. I believe the precedence in England was a case in which a member of a liner's crew killed another and pushed the body into the sea. He was still convicted.

- David Chown, Bath, 13/9/2007 7:36

I saw on television Jerry leaving his home in the car the other day. I noticed, the first thing he did was to place his jacket in the boot of the car. I wonder how many of the countless hairs from Madeleine on the shoulder of his jacket were deposited in the boot? Regarding the prosecutions evidence.

- Paul, Gothenburg, Sweden, 13/9/2007 7:44

The Portuguese police appear to actually have DNA evidence here with several possible explanations. Let the Portuguese police do their job. There would be just as much criticism of the police if it were a British case - it's just that it wouldn't be quite so high profile. In the UK, the parents would also have automatically been the prime suspects from day one. Just think - what may appear 'ludicrous to suggest' to many people, may be exactly what the perpetrator aimed for. Truth is much stranger than fiction.

- Maggie G, W. London, 13/9/2007 7:45

Think of the faces of Sally Clarke, Lindy Chamberlain and women like them. Their tortured lives and their gaunt faces should be enough of an example for us to learn not to condemn people until it is proven beyond doubt that they are guilty. Leave the McCanns alone and let justice be done. Whether it takes two months or two years is irrelevant, absolute proof must be shown. For the record, I believe they are totally innocent, and my heart bleeds for them.

- Mrs Bernadette Buller, Birmingham England, 13/9/2007 7:51

For an innocent couple it is an extraordinary thing to say. They want the search for their daughter to go on and their daughter to come home yet they are challenging Portuguese police to find the body? It is not the only odd thing recently. Surely an innocent couple who are desperate to find their daughter would cooperate fully with the police and answer all questions put to them? And now this latest talk about finding the body. Something is very wrong.

- Sally, Sweden, 13/9/2007 7:57

Will somebody please find out if this hire car was hired by anybody else, in the three weeks leading up to when the McCanns hired it?

- R Morrell, Northampton, 13/9/2007 8:01

The friends and family of the McCanns do them no favours making statements like "it's a disgrace" to seize toys etc. Surely everyone wants the issue resolved and if it could result in the return of Madeleine then they should be co-operating 100%.

- Graham Wynn, Stockton, 13/9/2007 8:16

So far the Portuguese police have had the inventive storyline-making all to themselves and using leaks to spread malicious gossip. Now a dose of cold reality as the McCann's lawyers challenge their storylines and the old lady in the flat above, also used scurrilously, emerges to proclaim that she didn't even know they were there. Since only yesterday her name was being used to spread such horror stories of Madeleine's screams when being "chastised by her mother" it tends to show that the JP have lost all touch with reality in their hot-house of story-making. How utterly despicable.

- Anne, Daventry, England, 13/9/2007 8:21

Even if they found madeleine's body, they still have to prove that her parents had killed her. But there are many questions. like the safe area where the car is - ?

- Jan, Hertford, 13/9/2007 8:27

How strange that the "McCanns" have been referred to as "Gerry and Kate" throughout their ordeal and now that the police have began investigating them, they haved turned into the "McCanns".

- June O'Brien, London England, 13/9/2007 8:27

Portuguese police seem to be too keen to prove that McCanns killed their daughter instead rather to find out what really happened with the little girl.

- Phibes, London, 13/9/2007 8:42

Why haven't they been given a lie-detector test so far?

- David Lee, Swanscombe, Kent, 13/9/2007 8:45

I totally agree with you John Humphrey.

- Pam, France, 13/9/2007 8:46

The behaviour of this couple has been strange from the start.

Just look at the body language. The husband never seems to look his wife in the eye or give support at press meetings.

Their announcements are very carefully worded. Their flight from Portugal was unseemly as now is the consultations with anti-extradition lawyers.

It is only right that they should be investigated.

- Geoff M, Bromsgrove, 13/9/2007 8:48

Extraordinary statement from the McCanns. It's like an episode of "Columbo" with their alibi being unravelled bit by bit.

- Loz, Bournemouth, England, 13/9/2007 8:50

Unlike the 'former Scotland Yard detective, I don't think that it is at all strange that Kate washed the doll within days of Maddie's disappearance. I imagine that as she couldn't actually take care of Maddie at the time, she did the next best thing, took care of her precious dolly.

I do wonder about the hire car. I recall that there were questions as to why Murrat needed to hire a car in such a hurry when he had access to two other cars. I don't suppose that his hire car could be one and the same?

- Mike Clayton, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, 13/9/2007 8:52

Jane Booth, your are speaking out of my heart. You are so right!

- Bogi, Budapest, Hungary, 13/9/2007 8:53

I hope the McCanns are able to 'throw the book' at the Portuguese police and I look forward to seeing more eminent scientists stepping forward to support them and rubbish the PJ claims. This tragic abduction of a beautiful little girl has turned the holiday from hell into a family's life in hell. I wish the McCanns all the luck in the world because the way they are seemingly being trashed, trialed and then convicted by the media. Meanwhile who exactly is out there looking for Madeleine?

- Maggie, Plymouth, 13/9/2007 8:57

I think that it would be a good thing if it went to trial so that all the facts can come out.

- Ray Cooper, Turkey, 13/9/2007 9:00

How many of you are greiving parents to judge what comments are suitable for greiving parents?

- Susan K, England, 13/9/2007 9:01

I have only one question; if MR McCann wishes for privacy, why does he have a public online blog?

I hope myself, and all the doubters are wrong but something doesn't sit right with these latest comments. I pray they find either Maddie alive, or if not, the offenders and prosecute them - whoever they are.

- Kw, Norfolk, UK, 13/9/2007 9:03

I can't believe the Mccanns really said this. If they did - and I notice that no quotation marks are used to support the claim - then that expensive lawyer they're supposed to have hired isn't really doing his job.

Think about it. The McCann's child has been abducted. We have to say, unpleasant though it is, that there's a chance that she is no longer alive. It then follows that the police may well find the body. Are the McCanns saying that they will accept this as proof that they did it?

Another thing that I find odd is this mountain of documented evidence that, we're told, has been passed on to the prosecutor. Just a couple of weeks ago, we were told, the police had discounted the McCanns from the investigation; now they've got so many files on them it's going to take the best part of a month to go through them all.

- John Kelleher, Dawlish, Devon, 13/9/2007 9:03

A rather ill-advised and arrogant statement in the circumstances.

- Mike, Norfolk England, 13/9/2007 9:05

The Portuguese police should stop hounding an innocent family; this is tragic and scandalous.

- Leanne, Darlington, 13/9/2007 9:07

Regarding any further forensic examination of the car - this may be a double-edged sword. If any further detrimental evidence should be revealed I believe the lawyers representing the McCanns whose first duty is to the Court and Justice and not their clients, will be duty bound to report such to the Court and Prosecution Solicitors.

- Robert, Hull, East Yorks, 13/9/2007 9:10

I hope the Police are left with egg on their faces with this Witch Hunt process! Do they think they are dealing with idiots or what? It seems as though they want to put the blame on someone - anyone! I can't believe the junk they are coming up with - life for the McCanns must be truly unbearable - thank goodness they have their family and friends to support them. What about all the money they will have to pay as innocent people to prove their innocence - they should sue the Portuguese police when this is all over.

- Anne Bell, Mannheim, Germany, 13/9/2007 9:11

The police and media seem to have forgotten that this little girl is still out there somewhere. She seems to have been forgotten in all this now.

- Gillian, Auckland, New Zealand, 13/9/2007 9:11

If the McCanns were quoted literally "find the body and prove we killed her", this on its own is very suspicious, as if they know the body won't be found. I must admit that from the very beginning I had the gut feeling the McCanns, in particular the mother, were guilty. It is a shame the Portugese police made so many mistakes and now again with not confiscating the car. Awful. I am so sorry for Maddie herself, she should have had the opportunity to have a nice and long life. I also feel sorry for Gerry, I don't think he has anything to say in that marriage.

- Marianne Smits-Jansen, Roermond, The Netherlands, 13/9/2007 9:11

What a load of unscientific crock the general public are swallowing to convince them the McCanns are guilty. Use your brains people and keep your suspicions and cynicism for the TV shows which have you all believing you alone can solve every crime in under 50 minutes. This is real life and these people are suffering real pain. They are not actors and there is unlikely to ever be a satisfactory conclusion. What greater hell can there be than to lose a child under these circumstances? Only to be suspected of being responsible but be powerless to prove your innocence. My heart goes out to the McCanns.

- Sian Morton, NSW Australia, 13/9/2007 9:13

Sir Alec Jeffreys - even if the DNA cannot be proved to be that entirely of Madeliene's, whatever in the world would any member of the McCann's (whoever DNA that belongs to) be doing in the tyre compartment of the boot of the rented car?

- P Granger, UK, 13/9/2007 9:17

Too much emotion and not enough concentration on the facts. This is a case where the pendulum will swing both ways as both sides put their cases. But the McCanns have done themselves no favours in the way they wheel numerous family members out to comment about 'how Kate and Gerry are coping'.

Too many people are caught up with the 'how could a mother or doctor' yet West and Shipman were two massive cases where this was shown to have no bearing. The strangest thing in this whole case is the million quid sitting in the 'Find Madeline fund'. The police are looking for a body, so why is the fund no being used to try to find the living girl, the one that everyone would rather have back home?

- Freddie, Dorset, England, 13/9/2007 9:18

I keep thinking about the dingo baby case in Australia and how lindy Chamberlain was vilified by the press and public because she came across as cold and didn't weep and wail for the cameras. She was wrongly jailed for killing her child. Is history repeating itself?

- Mrs M, Stevenage, Herts, 13/9/2007 9:19

"Doesn't the UK have a satellite system in the sky that takes images on the earth?"

All this will prove is that Madeleine is not standing on someone's roof.

- Simon, Dawlish, 13/9/2007 9:20

Almost every big accusation in one day's paper has been either confusingly watered-down or dismissed on the day following - for example the so-called quote by neighbour Pamela Fenn that had stated Kate had been aggressive and angry with her children - which today has been indignantly denied by the lady herself. The McCanns have been accused of having left Portugal the moment they got accused but their rented villa's lease was up and everyone knows there would be no hiding place for them if their real guilt was established. From the start Kate has looked bewildered and devastated and it's clear that whatever happened she completely loved Madeleine.

- Sarah, Belgium, 13/9/2007 9:22

Interesting that the "distraught" parents now challenge the police to duel.

- Osei K., London, 13/9/2007 9:23

She didn't say it you fools. It's a newspaper headline. Jesus!

- Andy, Stoke, 13/9/2007 9:25

I would be surprised if the previous users of the vehicle HADN'T been investigated, but it's quite possible that the samples found in the car could indicate how advanced decomposition was when they were left and, as a consequence, confirm the timing of a sequence of events that points the finger firmly at one or more people being responsible for their presence.

- Andrew, Lewes, 13/9/2007 9:27

We should remember that this is a ongoing investigation and we are not in a position to judge if the McCanns are guilty or not. Let's see what happens and if any charges are brought first.

- Leo, Kent, UK, 13/9/2007 9:27

The thing that particularly saddens me is that while the PJ are pressing this preposterous case against the McCann parents, the real perpetrator of the crime is sitting pretty with no attention being focussed on him/her at all. While the PJ are on this erroneous wild goose chase they have no hope of finding Madeleine, assuming she is alive.

- Rose, Co Cork, Ireland, 13/9/2007 9:27

That toy, would have smelled of her daughter, why on earth would she wash it?

- Kaz, Scotland, 13/9/2007 9:29

I want to see real genuine evidence that a murder has been committed, and if so, by whom!

- Peter Morgan, Boston Spa, UK, 13/9/2007 9:36

McCanns are educated and intelligent people, so why did they allow so many people into the flat, knowing it would destroy evidence of whoever had been in there? Why carry round the Cuddle Cat when she knew it had been touched by the intruder and might have DNA on it? Anyone else would have immediately bagged it, so it could be used for evidence. There seems to be so many strange things about this situation.

- Jane, England, 13/9/2007 9:37

It's amazing how everyone comes out of the woodwork to express their own views and suspicions. What has to be established right from the onset was who - apart from the McCanns saw Madeleine last. Nobody seems to be asking the question.

- Dave, Plymouth England, 13/9/2007 9:38

There are only two established facts in this case. One, a little girl has disappeared. Two, the Portuguese authorities, in particular the Judicial Police, have been astoundingly negligent in the way they have pursued the search for Madeleine, and for whoever was responsible for her disappearance.

Any DNA evidence is now worthless as conclusive proof of anything (according to its inventor, speaking on Newsnight last night). Furthermore, by systematically leaking snippets of information about DNA "evidence" of the alleged presence of Madeleine's body in the boot of a car hired five weeks after her disappearance, the Portuguese police have irredemably prejudiced any chance the McCanns would have had of a fair trial in Portugal, since no potential juror can claim to have been unaffected by such revelations.

The time has come for the police to either come up with solid evidence, instead of leaks and sneaks, or leave this couple to try and rebuild their lives.

- John Goodman, Ashford UK, 13/9/2007 9:39

Not one of us knows what actually happened - NOT ONE. So stop speculating and suggesting that "grieving parents" could not possibly be guilty of harming their child and are being "stitched up" by incompetant police. This is just plain irresponsible.

- Sandi, Edinburgh, 13/9/2007 9:39

What a strange comment for Madaleine's parents to make. I do feel this couple's behaviour is often not what you would expect from two distraught parents.

- Diana, Staffordshire, 13/9/2007 9:42

Stop blaming the Portuguese Police. Sooner or later you will swallow your words. They have to do their job and anyone can be a suspect, even the parents. Do not you know what some parents can do to their children? Do not you read newspapers? Do you really live in the planet earth? Human beings are the most cruel animals in Earth because they can perform the worst crimes against humans, other animals and nature in general.

- Maria José Aragão, Porto, portugal, 13/9/2007 9:43

Are the police going to suggest that everytime a child goes missing, the parents are suspects? This poor family are going through enough agony and despair at not having their beautiful daughter with them and most probably feeling so guilty about going out for the meal that night and wishing every waking moment that thay could turn back the clock and not have gone for the meal. But as I keep mentioning a BLIND person can see their innocence. Their love for their children and one another. They are a beautiful family and going through enough agony as it is. Why don't the police stand back and look at their own? As in the police themselves I mean? The so-called detective is an arguido himself isn't he? For allegedly beating up a woman that he was accusing of killing her child and using tactics to make her confess to something she didn't do. When she refused she was allegedly beaten up. Why is this man STILL working and especially on a case like this one?

- Rebecca, Notingham, 13/9/2007 9:45

The McCanns have to fight their corner. Otherwise all the evidence is held with the Portuguese police and they are not open or transparent in their operations. We don't know what the DNA evidence is, but even a high-ranking Portuguese policeman has said it will never prove identity with absolute certainty.

If all the evidence the PJ have collected is open to interpretation, and therefore not conclusive, the McCanns have to make sure that all explanations are put on the table, hence the need to run their own tests.

Bottom line - it is much harder to prove a murder when there is no body. When this has been done in the past there was plenty of other evidence to prove it. If the other evidence is dubious or open to interpretation, as may be the case in this situation, then the body becomes a key factor.

Can somebody tell me how, with all the bad/perhaps slanderous stories the Portuguese papers are putting out, the McCanns can have any hope of a fair trial in Portugal?

- Anna, Windsor, 13/9/2007 9:50

I am a but uneasy at the comment 'find her body and then prove we killed her'.

- Jacqui Weems, Southampton, 13/9/2007 9:53

I think we have to stop all these nonsens and pray for Maddie. I am going to continue supporting the parents until they are proven guilty.

- Eveline, Antwerp, Belgium, 13/9/2007 9:57

Well said Gerry and Kate - you have my support in this nightmare!

- Pam, Essex, England, 13/9/2007 9:57

I agree with those who find this overt challenge a little strange. It smacks of saying, "maybe I did do it, copper but you'll have to prove it". At the very least this seems ill-judged, particularly at a time when no charges have been brought.

The main problem I have with these quite probably innocent people is that everything uttered by Team McCann since Day 1 has reeked of media management, spin and PR. I believe that one of the reasons they are getting such a hard time now is that the public are wise to this, post Hutton etc; they are sick of it, and they are tarring the McCanns with the same brush as Blair, Campbell and all the rest. The public resents being deceived and there is a real danger that the McCanns end up as a whipping-boy for the perceived sins of the New Labour spin machine - they got away with it so we'll punish the McCanns instead. I think they should beware.

- Frederick James, Surrey, England, 13/9/2007 10:00

Let the searches begin.

British police always look towards the immediate family first so with their help the Portuguese have always had suspicions about the family.

Had the family stayed on in pdl they probably still wouldnt be the forefront of our tabloids. This has occured because they were leaving, I don't think they were near ready to make them aquidos, but it was going to happen.

You don't wash your beloved daughter's favourite toy you want to savour that smell for as long as is possible.

- Leeanne, Northern Ireland, 13/9/2007 10:03

The semantics of often unattributed quotes are one of the chief characteristics of this case, as far as media coverage goes, with mostly insane amounts of unsubstantiated relevance being attached to what the McCanns might have meant, if indeed it was said in the first place. Readers should remember that quotes can be distorted and taken out of context as a convenient peg to hang a story on. This should be clear to anyone given the smear campaign that has been orchestrated by the Portuguese police, who despite their so called secrecy laws, have actually been manipulating the media and public opinion through leaking speculation since very near the start of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine.

- Pg, UK, 13/9/2007 10:05

I'm starting to believe the Portuguese police more.

- Anthony, London, UK, 13/9/2007 10:06

Do you people running the press think we are all mad?

That picture does nothing for me, it is just their go gain public sympathy.

- Jb, UK, 13/9/2007 10:09

This case gets more and more incredible. First the police did not do forensic tests on the house for months, till it was too late for any reliable evidence to be gathered. They have now had over three months to confiscate these items while the McCanns were within their jurisdiction. As soon as the McCanns move outside of this jurisdiction, the Portuguese Police decide they need these objects. Why couldn't they have asked for them in Portugal last week before the family left? It doesn't inspire confidence in them to put it very mildly. Is it not time to stop co-operation with this bunch of obvious buffoons who have missed all their chances and lost all their own evidence through their manana attitude?

- Bk, Edinburgh, 13/9/2007 10:09

Maybe if the McCanns statement had been prefixed with the words "If you really believe that we have killed her", then "find Madeleine's body and prove that we killed her" may not sound so harsh. There is lot of playing on words surrounding this case and verbal remarks cannot be altered or taken back. The media take what they like and make it headlines!

- Alex, Bangor, 13/9/2007 10:10

I believe the aim of the investigation is to find out what happened to Madeline. Shouldn't everyone be cooperating to the fullest?

- Linda, New York City, 13/9/2007 10:11

'She washed Cuddle Cat two days after'? I don't get it. Anyone with kids will know that their toys and clothes keep the child's 'smell', something of huge comfort to a mother. But she washed it?

- Freddie, Dorset, England, 13/9/2007 10:19

John Kelleher, Dawlish, Devon; No, that's not what they're saying. They're saying that at present there is not even any proof that Madeleine is dead. They don't believe she is dead, and if they are right, they obviously cannot be accused of killing here. What they are saying is "why are you saying we killed her when there is no proof that she is actually dead?"

- Bk, Edinburgh, 13/9/2007 10:19

If my daughter had been abducted, I would not have washed her favourite toy "ever", why did Mrs McCann do that? Surely to wash away any traces of evidence pointing to her killing her own daughter. No loving Mum would want to wash away any traces of their lovely daughter from her favourite toy!

- Jackie, England, 13/9/2007 10:22

Surely if Maddy is still out there we must find her for everyone's sake, I don't think she is even in Portugal. Please don't stop looking.

- Ag, Cheltenham Glos, 13/9/2007 10:28

"She also revealed that Madeleine's mum washed the little girl's Cuddle Cat within days of her disappearance - and again two months ago."

How many mothers in the same circumstances would do this, unconciously - or deliberately? - removing any smells of their child? And why the need to do it again?

- Stephen, Lorca, Spain., 13/9/2007 10:29

Sounds like straw clutching to me.

But they are supposed to be the experts. I wonder, however, why they ignored the offers of help from the Met?

I hope this is all solved one way or another soon. If the PJ are wrong they are allowing whoever is responsible to get further and further away.

- Steve, Ingolstadt, Germany, 13/9/2007 10:31

Perhaps the McCanns know that Madelaine is alive. Perhaps she is in a safe place and not in any harm and they know that.

That would explain two things. Firstly it would explain how they could be confident enough to make the reported challenge to the police.

Although in that case, the massive publicity campaign would have to be a sham, it could also be a way of letting Madelaine know that her parents love her, and haven't forgotten her, in spite of them letting her go.

Why they would let their own little girl be unofficially adopted in such a way is another matter, but if the Portugese police suspect the same thing, then their bizarre behaviour could be understood as an ongoing fishing expedition.

- Solarsentinel, England, 13/9/2007 10:31

Oh my God, what a nightmare. Let's all pray for this traumatized family... to lose a little one - and then be accused. How horrible.

- Terry, USA, 13/9/2007 10:37

I still believe that the McCanns are innocent, but I am beginning to question their attitude and demeanor and the constant use of the media to portray themselves as innocent. I just pray that the case is resolved soon.

- Hamad Lone, UK, 13/9/2007 10:41

The stress of all this must be driving the McCanns to nervous breakdwown.
If it is true that the police want certain items from their house, I am sure that the McCanns will provide them. As for the laptop, it maybe a good idea if the McCanns had a legal person present while the Laptop is sealed for investigation and that they will insist that an independent person is present when the laptop is opened up to examination and investigation? This would be the best safeguard to ensure that they are not accused of having downloaded any 'unsuitable material'. It would seem such a waste of resourses to investigate the McCanns in this way when their daughter is still missing.
The poor little girl. It can only be hoped that she will be found, safe and well.

- Tessa Boo, London, 13/9/2007 10:45

This whole story worries me. At the heart of it is a lost little girl who no one knows is dead or alive. If the parents are guilty, they must have people around them that are complicit, if they are innocent then why are they saying, if the child is dead, prove it?

I am not comfortable with the McCann roadshow, I can't understand why, if they are innocent, they can't keep a low profile. It's all a bit clinical.

- Lucy, France, 13/9/2007 10:46

Exactly my thoughts, Kaz. It would have been preserved just like it was the last time she'd touched it. Also, it has been reported that the toy had been found set up on the window or somewhere when it was discovered Maddy was gone. That makes no sense. Why would an abductor take away something from a child that would help keep them calm and quiet? If she had just been grabbed from the bed, then it would have fallen into the covers. There's no reason it would have been removed from her and carefully set aside.

- Chris, Leicester, 13/9/2007 10:47

Shouldn't the Portuguese police have been examining the cuddle cat now let me see - about four months ago?! Seems the only qualification you need to be part of the PJ is a pulse!

- Kathryn, Derby UK, 13/9/2007 10:51

Has anyone asked the question, who was driving the hire car at the time Madeleine went missing? There can't be that many hire cars in that part of Portugal so it could be the one used by the abductor.

- Nigel Humphries, Corfe Castle, UK, 13/9/2007 10:51

If this accusation was levelled at you, wouldn't you challenge the police to find and produce the body? These poor parents have lost a child in horrendous circumstances - they have been subjected to one kind of hell followed by another and now someone judges which words they use to vent their frustrations? Hold your heads high, Dr & Mr McCann and use private detectives to find your missing child!

- Margaret Maclean, Bournemouth, Dorset, 13/9/2007 10:52

Like it or not, the only people that are going to solve this crime (if indeed a crime was committed) are the Portuguese police. The last thing the McCanns want to do is start a media-fuelled war with them. Assuming they are innocent and want their daughter back, they should be openly co-operating with the Portuguese authorities and doing everything in their power to win them over and continue the search for Madeleine.

Putting across the idea that they are challenging the police will only divert the police's resources to building a case against them.

- Bob, Utrecht, NL, 13/9/2007 10:53

Strange this - where was all the support for Robert Murat who has now been ruled out - and was pronounced guilty from day one by the press.

I suspect all these Mccann supporters are going to have a dreadful shock, time for them to wake up and smell the whiff of something nasty that has permeated this case since its beginning.

- Les Crossan, Wallsend, UK, 13/9/2007 10:55

Thank you Leo - at last someone points out that trial by media is not the real thing! Who are all these people who "know" the answers from just reading reports in the press?

- Margaret, Sarlat, France, 13/9/2007 10:57

So the portugese police want to test the child's toy. Only four months after the event.

Are they sure they want to test it or interview it?

- Peter, London, 13/9/2007 10:57

If the Pope's prayers didn't help, why would ours?

- Andrea, Hungary, 13/9/2007 10:59

Everyone should calm down, there is no conspiracy by the Portugese police.

- Alan, Scotland, 13/9/2007 11:04

Thank you Andy from Stoke! It seems like you foolish people believe EVERYTHING the newspapers write. Its a media circus! My heart goes out for the Mcanns and poor Madeleine.

- Marta, Norway, 13/9/2007 11:07

I totally agree, Linda! As simple as that...

- Andrea, Hungary, 13/9/2007 11:10

I think this whole situation is turning into a circus. No one can say the McGanns did it, or didn't do it, until we get all the facts? However, I believe there is definately more to this than meets the eye. I wonder, would the public have been as sympathetic if this couple had not been Doctors?

- Steph, Greece, 13/9/2007 11:15

One thing that puzzles me is just what are the forensic laboratory using as a comparative for Maddie's DNA. She is hardly likely to be on the National DNA Register. In the absence of a body I assume the police took a sample from her clothes or toys etc. If so these could easily have become contaminated by being handled by her parents or siblings. Perhaps somebody versed in the DNA technique could throw more light on how the DNA people test for DNA in the absence of a body where a "Master Sample" can't be taken.

- Peter C., Copthorne, UK, 13/9/2007 11:17

They have an extremely tough battle on their hands. It's tragic.

- Pj, Spain, 13/9/2007 11:17

Oh yes, let's blame McCanns for washing the toy now. Don't you know why people some time have to wash things especially when there are two little toddlers in the house - they could be sick on it, they could wee, they could smear it food - millions of reasons why it would need a wash.

- Natasha, London, 13/9/2007 11:25

When anyone suspected of wrongdoing says "okay, prove it" I get very suspicious.

- Shirley, UK, 13/9/2007 11:25

People keep asking if anyone's looked into who had the hire car prior to the McCanns. Do they honestly believe that the police are so incompetent and lacking in common sense that they won't already have pursued this line of inquiry? Xenophobia raising its ugly face in this case again.

- Rachel, Thun, Switzerland, 13/9/2007 11:26

Of course Kate % Gerry are innocent - Don't waste time. Find the real people involved as we're all wanting Madeleine to be found alive. Try to ignore all the nasty comments Kate & Gerry, most people believe in you.

- Rose, UK, 13/9/2007 11:26

Honestly, I think it is about time that the friends and family stop talking to the media, they are not doing the McCanns any favours or the investigation. What a circus! I just hope that Madelaine is found - alive!

- Anna, London, 13/9/2007 11:26

Rebecca the answer is yes. Most police forces investigate those closest to the victim first as statistically they are the most likely to guilty. If they are found not to be involved the police move on to other options. After over 100 days of attention no real solid trace has been found of this child and I don't think that any trace will by now ever be found. Guilty or not guilty of some part in her disappearance I also do not believe that either McCann will ever spend time in jail.

- John, Lincoln, 13/9/2007 11:29

"Find the body, prove we did it" I have to agree, not the words you would expect from parents going through the hell of a missing child. A very cold statement.

- Tess Woollatt, Ennis. R.O.I, 13/9/2007 11:35

I actually felt sick when I heard that Kate had been labelled a suspect, and then Gerry. Unfortunately, if you think back to other big cases like this, it is usually someone very close to the victim who is involved. BUT why have they hung about in Portugal? A point raised earlier, devout Catholics would not see her in an unconsecrated unmarked grave. They wouldn't have the audience with the Pope. I just hope there is some resolution. The whole world has prayed for this little girl and her parents.

- Laura Hudson, Australia, 13/9/2007 11:43

For fear of God and since none us know what has actually happened in this case, we should refrain from making any comments till the outcome of the investigation. My prayer is that we find the little Maddy, an Everton fan.

- Tim, Lagos, 13/9/2007 11:44

Rebecca, get real - YES every time a child goes missing parents and very close relatives are ALWAYS suspects - because injuries to children are most likely to have been committed by those nearest and dearest to them - sad but true. How do you know the McCanns are a beautiful family - guess you must know them, or you believe everything you read in the press. The Portuguese police have a duty to find out what happened to this poor neglected child and they must not be deflected from this by irrational speculation based upon an emotional response like yours.

- Djh, London, 13/9/2007 11:44

A lot of rumours not a lot of facts yet. Parents who are obviously very upset about the attention shifting from their child to themselves. Why not, to get the attention back again on Maddie, volunteer to take a lie detector test? I know it's not legally accepted in Europe but if they both pass, I'm sure the pressure will be on the police again to continue their search for Maddie (at least from the media) And that is what the parents now desperately want, don't they?!

- Robert, Amstterdam Netherlands, 13/9/2007 11:50

McCanns desperate to find out Madeleine's fate, yet they put up a fight to hold on to diary, laptop, and cuddle cat. I smell a 'cuddle rat' here.

- John Dedman, Eltham England, 13/9/2007 11:55

The whole thing stinks and I suspect them more and more every day.

- Lisa Jones, Welwyn Garden city, 13/9/2007 11:57

I totally agree with some of the people here. Why did Kate wash Cuddly Cat when it smells of her daughter? Why did they let people walk around in the apt after she was gone? Did they really sedate their kids? I am not convinced of their innocence at all.

- Christine, Singapore, 13/9/2007 11:58

Do people honestly believe these were the McCanns' own words? Don't be so silly!

- Anne Cannon, Birmingham, 13/9/2007 12:07

The only mistake the Portuguese police has done so far is not make them suspects from the first day which would be the most logical thing to do.

They were the last ones to see the child so far we know.

- Frederico Penteado, London, 13/9/2007 12:07

"Find the body, prove we did it" alone proves nothing. Take the sentence in context. When was it said - what prompted it.

Imagine the following after many hours of questioning by police who now believe you killed your little daughter.

"Did you kill your child?"
"No"
"We believe you killed your child"
"I didn't kill my child"
"We believe you did"
"Find the body, prove we did it."

...not so cold hearted now is it?

God forbid that the search for that poor little girl is abandoned.

- Lynne, UK, 13/9/2007 12:09

Peter C: I'm glad you brought up the question of a 'master sample' of Madeleine's DNA - it's been puzzling me too!

- Ers, Birmingham, 13/9/2007 12:09

Whatever we may think of the Portuguese police, I don't think it is their intention to "set them up" at all. In most murders, attention always focuses on those most close to the victim anyway, and in this instance, other avenues have been discounted.

- Shirley, UK, 13/9/2007 12:17

I looked at the picture taken of the parents with their twins, that is in your paper today. To look at it you would think they haven't a care in the world. They seem very unnatural to me.

- M.Howarth, Manchester England, 13/9/2007 12:23

The washing of Cuddle Cat means absolutely nothing, Kate didn't want the precious toy to be dirty and greasy from being carried around all day. Caring for the toy would be a natural extension of her feelings for Madeleine, there's nothing sinister about it at all.

- Felicity, USA, 13/9/2007 12:32

I totally agree with Liz from Australia! The police is leaking a lot of news to the press and Kate and Gerry are not allowed give their reaction. It is very strange.

- Jo, London, 13/9/2007 12:47

I believe in innocent until proven guilty. Even then innocent people are tragically found guilty. ie Sally Clarke & Lindy Chamberlain. This is media driven (PJ) heresay. To all the cynics out there, you are not fit to sit on a jury. The search for Madelaine is still the top priority.

- Jane, South Yorks, 13/9/2007 12:54

This is turning into a soap.

- Mo, London, 13/9/2007 13:04

On the contrary, I would state the exact same thing if I were the McCanns. Let the police indeed find the body if they are so sure she's dead, and let them then prove it were the parents if they are so sure.

- Willem, Antwerp, Belgium, 13/9/2007 13:10

I have been so disturbed by this whole case that I do not think that I shall ever stop looking for Maddie if she isnt found. I do pray that she is found soon alive hopefully!

- Jackie, Cheshunt, UK, 13/9/2007 13:23

None of you lot know what it means to have a child taken.

- Bunny Faber, Bury St Edmunds, 13/9/2007 13:24

The really sad thing about all of this media circus is that poor Maddy is still out there somewhere.

- Kathy, Toronto, Canada, 13/9/2007 13:28

No request is too big or small for the Almighty God. Maddie will be found one day, this family has suffered long enough. Lord have Mercy on them.

- Jn, Market Harborough, 13/9/2007 13:34

They still have my support. I think the Portuguese Police have made blunder after blunder.

- Mags, Glenrothes Scotland, 13/9/2007 13:59

"Find the body, prove we did it" - is PRECISELY the sort of comment an intelligent professional would make after being hounded by idiot police who are on the wrong trail. Having once been hounded by idiot police myself, I find the statement remarkably reserved. If ya ain't been there, please don't talk about how "cold" it sounds.

- Therealjg, Corvallis, USA, 13/9/2007 14:14

I think it's disgusting how people have already found the McCanns guilty. Everyone should know what the media can create and all these stories everyday, probably without proof, are just stirring people up.
I have not personally judged anyone yet, I would prefer to see some solid evidence before I make my mind up. It is like some kind of witch hunt.

- Donna, Liverpool, 13/9/2007 14:38

I'm horrified at the hounding of McCanns by Portuguese Police and Media. Can they not be stopped?

- Terri, Essex, 13/9/2007 14:49

Please leave that woman alone to grieve. It is time now you should challenge the police and get to the bottom of what has been going on.

- Shirley Rees, Gorseinon,Swansea, Wales, 13/9/2007 14:52

I agree Felicity, I have washed toys for mine when they've been ill or away on a visit. A mother's love to present them with a fresh, clean cuddly toy.

- Zit, Newark, Nottinghamshire, 13/9/2007 22:46