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Kate and Gerry McCann release statement on 15th anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance

KATE AND Gerry McCann, the parents of missing child Madeleine McCann, have said it is a "huge comfort" to know that she is still in the minds and hearts of people on the fifteenth anniversary of her disappearance.

Today marks fifteen years since the child went missing while holidaying in Praia Da Luz in Portugal. She would be due to turn 19 this month.

On Monday, her parents shared a statement alongside a quote from Winnie the Pooh author AA Milne which read: "But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you."

In the message on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page, they wrote:

"This year we mark 15 years since we last saw Madeleine.

"It feels no harder than any other but no easier either. It's a very long time.

"Many people talk about the need for 'closure'. It's always felt a strange term. Regardless of outcome, Madeleine will always be our daughter and a truly horrific crime has been committed. These things will remain.

"It is true though that uncertainty creates weakness; knowledge and certainty give strength, and for this reason our need for answers, for the truth, is essential. We are grateful for the ongoing work and commitment of the UK, Portuguese and German authorities as it is this combined police effort which will yield results and bring us those answers.

"As always, we would like to thank all of our supporters for their continued good wishes and support. It is a huge comfort to know that regardless of time passed, Madeleine is still in people’s hearts and minds."

In 2013, the Metropolitan Police Service launched its own investigation into Madeleine's disappearance known as 'Operation Grange'.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell from the Metropolitan Police Service, who leads Operation Grange, said:

"Fifteen years on from Madeleine’s disappearance in Praia Da Luz our thoughts, as always, are with her family.

"Officers continue to investigate the case and our dedicated team are still working closely with law enforcement colleagues from the Portuguese Policia Judiciária as well as the German Bundeskriminalamt.

"At this time, the case remains a missing person’s enquiry and all involved are committed to doing what we can to find answers."

Last month, a suspect was declared in this case by Portuguese police acting on the request of German police.

It is thought the suspect is convicted German paedophile Christian Brueckner, who has been under investigation in connection with Maddie's disappearance since 2020. However, Brueckner claims to have an alibi for where he was during the disappearance.

See More: Gerry McCann, Kate McCann, Madeleine McCann