LAWYERS FOR Gerry and Kate McCann will have three weeks to scan police files for clues in their ongoing search for missing Madeleine.
Following the shelving of the investigation yesterday (Monday, July 21) and the lifting of the McCanns’ and Robert Murat’s arguido status, everything in the files compiled by Portuguese detectives over the past 14 months will be made available to parties with a legitimate interest in the case.
This will help the couple’s private investigators continue their search for the missing girl – and possibly lead to a legal action against Portuguese authorities, which the McCanns have not ruled out.
Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the family, said: “They want to find their daughter – it’s as simple as that and this information is a key element in that.
The focus is back on the search for their daughter, said Mr Mitchell, as the couple “cling to the hope that she is alive”.
Gerry and Kate McCann looked drawn and tired as they addressed a press conference in their home village of Rothley, Leicestershire, last night.
Mrs McCann read a brief statement in which she made a fresh appeal for information about Madeleine’s whereabouts and vowed to keep looking for her daughter.
The Portuguese lawyer for Robert Murat, Francisco Pagarete, told The Resident: “Robert says he is very happy that his arguido status has been lifted and he will finally now be able to go back to his life.
“Robert is not in the Algarve at the moment but we expect him to return home next week sometime. “Now Robert is no longer an arguido he will be making the most of being free to travel to wherever he wants without restraint.
Although shelved at the moment, the investigation would be reopened at any time if any new evidence is presented to the Portuguese authorities.
1″>news
