08/05/2007

Concern over missing toddler

Portuguese police are continuing to search for a toddler from Leicester feared to have been abducted while on holiday.

Police have broadened their search to an area nine miles around the apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve where the three-year-old girl, Madeleine McCann, was last seen.

Her mother Kate made a statement to the press appealing for her daughter's safe return.

With her husband at her side she told reporters: "Please do not scare her. Please let us know where to find Madeleine or put her in a place of safety."

Mrs McCann said: "Madeleine is a beautiful, bright, funny and caring little girl. She is so special. Please, please, do not hurt her."

It is reported that the couple had returned to their room to check on their two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie and three-year-old daughter to discover the older girl was missing from the apartment. The outside shutter and window was open.

Police said that they believed Madeleine had been abducted and are investigating reports that a man was seen with a small child in the area.

(SP/JM)

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