McCanns 'encouraged' by new moves (From Wharfedale Observer)
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McCanns 'encouraged' by new moves
9:20am Thursday 26th April 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013
An age progression image of missing Madeleine McCann has been released (Teri Blythe/Metropolitan Police)
The parents of Madeleine McCann are "hugely encouraged" by the momentum in the case of their missing daughter.
Kate McCann is said to be "particularly pleased" with the new age-progressed image of Madeleine, saying it has strong family resemblance.
Mrs McCann and her husband Gerry have also joined Scotland Yard in urging Portuguese authorities to reopen the search for Madeleine after detectives said there were 195 potential leads to finding her alive.
McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said that as the five-year anniversary of her disappearance draws close, Mr and Mrs McCann are said to be "coping as best they can".
Mr Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry welcome this and they are hugely encouraged by what the police have been doing all of this last year since the launch of the investigative review.
"They (Scotland Yard) believe that it is quite possible that Madeleine could still be alive and that is what Kate and Gerry have said throughout the five years and they are hugely encouraged by all of this momentum in the case."
He added that like the British police, Mr and Mrs McCann want the case to be reopened but it is "up to the Portuguese authorities". Detectives in Portugal are also understood to want the case reopened but must gain judicial approval via the courts.
Mr Mitchell said: "They are very pleased that the new age-progressed image of Madeleine aged nine was put out yesterday, which is getting wide publicity today. Of course, that is the girl that people should still be looking for.
"We need to remind people around the world that this is probably what Madeleine looks like today, not the very famous picture of her when she went missing. This is Madeleine as a young girl now.
"Kate particularly feels there is a very strong family resemblance. She sees Madeleine, Sean and Amelie her brother and sister, and herself in the image."
