Madeleine McCann’s parents issue statement on ‘awful events of 2023’ as they vow to continue fight to find missing daughter

Madeleine McCann’s parents have issued a new message as the search for their missing daughter continues.

McCann went missing in May 2007 aged just three and the mystery remains unsolved.

Kate and Gerry McCann said efforts to find Madeleine continue with “the same determination, commitment and vigour”.

Portuguese police recently apologised to the family for the way detectives investigated the case and treated the McCanns.

The McCanns’ Facebook post read: “Another year comes to a close. I’m sure they’re getting shorter!

“Whilst there is no new significant news to share in the search for Madeleine, efforts continue with the same determination, commitment and vigour.

“We believe such perseverance will eventually yield results. Thank you again for your support, Christmas wishes and shared hope.

“Despite our own personal circumstances, it is impossible to be unaffected by the awful events happening around the world this year with so many wars, immeasurable pain and suffering, children abducted, killed and orphaned.

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“Let’s hope that 2024 brings a greater love for mankind, hope and peace to us all.”

Scotland Yard launched its own investigation into the toddler’s disappearance, known as Operation Grange, in 2013.

The prime suspect is 46-year-old German national Christian Brueckner.

Brueckner, who is a convicted sex offender, is currently serving a sentence for raping a woman in Praia da Luz in 2005.

He is also suspected of further rapes and child sexual abuse committed in the area between 2000 and 2017.

Brueckner denied any involvement in McCann’s disappearance and Portuguese authorities launched a fresh search after German prosecutors received “certain tips” about the case.

The location was around 30 miles away from Praia da Luz.

The McCanns were questioned by detectives in September 2007 and were both considered suspects in their daughter’s disappearance.

However, the status was lifted the following year as the investigation failed to yield results.