Portuguese Authorities Reopen Madeleine McCann Investigation

Portuguese authorities have reopened the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. It has been six years since Madeleine, then almost 4-years-old, went missing in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Portuguese detectives have had no involvement in any investigations since closing the original probe back in 2008, one year after the child vanished from the McCann family's holiday apartment. Scotland Yard began to review the McCann case in May 2011, launching a formal investigation in July this year. Earlier in the month the British authorities revealed new “substantial” material that would change the entire inquiry. Madeleine McCann disappeared in Praia da Luz in the Algarve on 3rd May, 2007. Sky News reports that Portuguese public prosecutors agreed to re-examine the case following a request from officers in Porto who have identified new lines of inquiry and witnesses who were never questioned during the first probe. A statement from the Attorney General’s office read: "The Public Ministry has determined the reopening of the inquiry relating to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann following a request from the Policiia Judiciaria." Madeleine's parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, also released a statement to say that they were “very pleased” with the decision and hope the move uncovers the answers they “so desperately need". "We hope that this will finally lead to her being found and to the discovery of whoever is responsible for this crime," the couple said in a statement. "We once again urge any member of the public who may have information relating to Madeleine's abduction to contact the police in Portugal or the UK. "Please be patient and respect the work of the police as they endeavour to find the answers we so desperately need." Scotland Yard released this e-fit of a man seen in and around Praia de Luz the week of Madeline’s disappearance. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, leading the Scotland Yard investigation welcomes the move. “This new momentum is encouraging, but we still have a way to go and, as with all major investigations, not all lines of inquiry that look promising will yield results," he said. “Today’s development is good news. Combined with the formal reopening of the Portuguese investigation today, and our ever-closer working relationship, I believe that we have the best opportunity yet to finally understand what happened to Madeleine.”