Excavations in search for Madeleine

Search teams are expected to start excavating a number of sites in Portugal as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Portuguese authorities are understood to have given permission for the search of several sites in Praia da Luz, where Madeleine went missing in 2007, aged just three.

The move comes just after the seventh anniversary of her disappearance on May 3, 2007, during a family holiday.

The searches are thought to be as a result of a series of requests made by British detectives. The excavations, which are expected to be conducted by forensic experts, are not thought to necessarily be in connection with a search for Madeleine’s body or remains.

Detectives from Scotland Yard are expected to be in Portugal for the searches, but it is not thought that Madeleine’s parents Kate and Gerry will return to Praia da Luz.

Scotland Yard has refused to comment on reports about the latest development.

Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the McCanns, said: “As always, we simply will not comment on operational details of Operation Grange; that is a matter for the Met Police. Kate and Gerry are being kept fully informed throughout.”

At the weekend, Mr and Mrs McCann thanked the public for their unstinting support at a prayer service on the seventh anniversary of her disappearance. The couple were joined by around 100 well-wishers, friends and relatives for a low-key open-air service in the centre of Rothley, Leicestershire, which saw candles being lit for all children around the world who have been taken away from their parents against their will.

Mr McCann expressed gratitude that the Metropolitan Police team investigating Madeleine’s disappearance was moving to a “very active” phase, saying: “They are chipping away and, obviously, there is new evidence, so we are going to continue to hope that we will get a happy outcome.”

Mrs McCann disclosed she privately returns to the Portuguese resort where her daughter disappeared to “walk those streets” and “look for answers”, as she backed a revamped alert system — Child Rescue Alerts — triggered when children are kidnapped or their lives are at risk.