Madeleine McCann's parents 'welcome' Portuguese probe into Christian B and say 'we have not given up hope she's alive'

MADELEINE McCann's parents have welcomed the news after Christian B was made an official suspect over the British girl's disappearance.

The parents of missing Maddie – who vanished 15 years ago in Portugal – said they still hope they'll one day reunite with their daughter.

Kate and Gerry McCann said even though the "possibility may be slim" they still have hopes that they will see Madeleine again as the probe continues.

Christian B, 44, was told earlier this week in his German prison cell that he is now an 'arguido' in Portugal.

The full statement, signed "Kate & Gerry" reads: "We welcome the news that the Portuguese authorities have declared a German man an 'arguido' in relation to the disappearance of our beloved daughter Madeleine.

"This reflects progress in the investigation, being conducted by the Portuguese, German and British authorities.

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"We are kept informed of developments by the Metropolitan Police.

"It is important to note the 'arguido' has not yet been charged with any specific crime related to Madeleine's disappearance.

"Even though the possibility may be slim, we have not given up hope that Madeleine is still alive and we will be reunited with her."

An "arguido" – normally translated as "named suspect" or "formal suspect" – is someone who is treated by Portuguese police as more than a witness but has not been arrested or charged.

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A written statement issued by the Portimao section of the Faro Department of Criminal Investigation and Prosecution (DIAP) said: “As part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in 2007, a person was made an arguido on Wednesday.

“The person was made an arguido by the German authorities in execution of a request for international judicial cooperation issued by the Public Ministry of Portugal.

“The investigation is led by the Portimao section of the DIAP in Faro with the assistance of the Policia Judiciaria police.

“The investigation has been carried out with the cooperation of the English and German authorities.”

Maddie vanished in 2007 while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal – triggering the most high-profile missing persons case in history.

On May 3 this year, it will be 15 years since Madeleine disappeared from her family holiday.

'REFLECTS PROGRESS'

Portugal has a 15-year hearing limit on murder charges – meaning that police would have a reduced risk of convicting a suspect after next month.

The news comes after Portuguese police said they would continue to investigate Maddie's disappearance as the Met Police ended its probe.

Parents Gerry and Kate McCann left their three kids, including toddler twins Sean and Amelie, sleeping in their apartment while they dined at a tapas bar 120 metres away.

When Kate returned to check on the kids at about 10pm that evening, she found Madeleine was not in her bed and was missing.

In September of that year, Gerry and Kate, both doctors, were sensationally named as "arguidos" or "suspects" by Portuguese police.

The following summer the McCanns were cleared by investigators in Portugal who declared they had exhausted all avenues in the case.

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