New allegations about the latest theories by British police searching for Madeleine McCann appeared in the British press today. Operation Grange – the investigative team that is reported to have spent in excess of £5 million searching for the child who went missing nearly seven years ago – have identified 12 separate incidents that took place in the Algarve between 2004 and 2010 in which a male intruder broke into houses and abused young children.
The incidents, which appear never to have made it into the Portuguese press, are reported to have taken place in Carvoeiro, Vale de Parra and Praia da Luz – the little seaside holiday destination from which three-year-old Madeleine vanished on May 3, 2007.
Sky News reports that while the cases are not identical, “there are enough similarities for police to believe finding this suspect could be key”.
In four of the incidents, the abused children were reportedly girls, aged between seven and 10.
DCI Andy Redwood leading the British police hunt told journalists: “These offences are very serious and no one has yet been charged with them.”
Operation Grange is now appealing for anyone who may have any information of incidents like these, to get in touch: 0800 0961011 – or +44 207 1580 126 for non-UK residents. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
