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01:33 GMT, Friday, 2 May 2008 02:33 UK

McCanns appeal to police callers

Gerry and Kate McCann

The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have appealed to anyone who gave information to Portuguese police about her disappearance to contact them.

In one of several appearances to mark a year since the search began, Kate and Gerry McCann said they had a right to know what details were out there.

"We are a year down the line and seemingly no closer to finding Madeleine," said Mr McCann, 39.

The Leicestershire couple have set up a dedicated phone line - 0845 838 4699.

They urged people with any potential leads to call the number.

'Bits of the jigsaw'

"This is the last chance to capture a lot of information which has maybe gone into the investigation and we are not privy to," Mr McCann said.

"Clearly we need to know that everything has been done. What we are asking people to do is if you have given information to police, Crimestoppers, the Portuguese police, we are asking you to give it to us as well."

"Surely we can find her if everyone pulls together"
Gerry McCann

He said they have "little bits of the jigsaw" but there were still "huge gaps".

Madeleine disappeared shortly before her fourth birthday from a holiday resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on 3 May last year.

Her parents had been eating with friends at a nearby tapas restaurant and were later named as suspects by Portuguese police.

They have always denied any wrongdoing and have campaigned hard for people to help in their search for Madeleine.

But because of Portuguese secrecy laws, the police have not shared the information they have collected with the couple.

CAMPAIGN HOTLINE


The phone line will be formally launched on Friday with pre-recorded interviews from a London hotel.

Mr McCann told reporters: "Today is about Madeleine and today is about us stating our absolute categoric belief that there's no evidence Madeleine has been seriously harmed. Surely we can find her if everyone pulls together."

Mrs McCann, 40, explained why she felt Madeleine was still alive.

"It's a sense. Madeleine just feels very close," she said.



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