Madeleine McCann’s parents 'refused to share information with British police’
The parents of missing toddler Madeleine McCann fell out with British police when they refused to share information with them, according to a leaked report.
Kate and Gerry McCann hired private investigators to help with finding their daughter, who vanished from Praia da Luz in 2007, but allegedly held back from handing over all the information to British detectives.
The Home Office document, obtained by Sky News, states that the McCann’s fell out with both British and Portuguese police as a result.
The report, written by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre in 2009, is believed to have said: “It is clear that the McCanns and the private investigators working on their behalf have gathered a large amount of information during the course of their enquiries.
“This information does not appear to have been shared fully with the Leicestershire Constabulary or the Portuguese authorities.
“It is imperative that they are encouraged and persuaded to share this information.”
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The report adds: “Clearly, the McCanns have had a turbulent relationship with both Portuguese and UK law enforcement.
“They now openly acknowledge that there is a distinct lack of trust between all parties.”
The report went on to describe how relations became strained with the British police when too many law enforcement agencies got involved in the search for Maddie.
It recommended the creation of a UK national centre for missing children as a result of the criticisms.
The then Home Secretary Al Johnson backed this recommendation, but it failed to go ahead after Labour lost the 2010 General Election.
Mr Johnson told Sky News: “Nothing’s happened in the ensuing 10 years that suggests that if it [a child disappearing abroad] happened again it would be an any better, more coordinated response.”
The allegations were made on the tenth anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance.
Top pic: Rex