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<\/p>\nPORTUGUESE police have apologised to the parents of Madeleine McCann for the way they handled their daughter\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n
Three-year-old Madeleine went missing during a family holiday on the Algarve in May 2007.<\/p>\n
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The cops have told BBC\u2019s Panorama that a delegation of senior officers travelled from Lisbon to London earlier this year.<\/p>\n
They met Gerry McCann, Madeleine\u2019s father, and apologised for the way detectives investigated the case and treated the family.<\/p>\n
In September 2007, Kate and Gerry McCann were made arguidos – or suspects – in the investigation into Madeleine\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n
Both were questioned by Portuguese detectives, who believed they had staged an abduction and concealed their daughter\u2019s body.<\/p>\n
Kate McCann has said she was offered a deal to admit covering up her daughter\u2019s death in exchange for a shorter sentence.<\/p>\n The couple\u2019s arguido status was lifted in 2008, but they remained under suspicion in Portugal for years.<\/p>\n Much of the damage was caused by one man – the original lead detective, Goncalo Amaral.<\/p>\n He was sacked from the investigation but went on to write a book and present a TV documentary accusing the McCanns of being involved in their daughter\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n As well as apologising, the Portuguese police have told Panorama that they also briefed the McCann family on the ongoing investigation.<\/p>\n They gave their support to German prosecutors who believe 46-year-old Christian B killed Madeleine McCann.<\/p>\n Portuguese detectives now also think he\u2019s the prime suspect.<\/p>\n Christian B is currently serving a seven-year prison term in Germany for rape and drug trafficking.<\/p>\n The German denies killing Madeleine.<\/p>\n For the past five years, the German authorities have been investigating him in connection with Madeleine McCann\u2019s disappearance.<\/p>\n But Christian B hasn\u2019t been charged.<\/p>\n Hans Christian Wolters, one of the German prosecutors on the case, said they hoped to complete their investigation next year.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a big puzzle and we have some important pieces but some pieces are missed.<\/p>\n "So, we hope to find as many pieces as we could get, so the picture will be a complete one.<\/p>\n \u201cWe think that he was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and we think that he murdered Madeleine McCann.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr Wolters also welcomed the Portuguese apology to the McCann family.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cIt\u2019s a good sign and it shows that in Portugal there\u2019s development in the McCann case.<\/p>\n I think it\u2019s a good and right decision.\u201d<\/p>\n Christian B has already been charged with a further three rapes, sexual assault, and sexual assault of a child.<\/p>\n The five offences are alleged to have been committed on the Portuguese Algarve.<\/p>\n Mr Wolters confirmed that they would go to trial in February.<\/p>\n Christian B\u2019s lawyer, Friedrich Fulscher, said his client was exercising his right to silence.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cWe know the contents of the files, and I think the charges are all based on very, very shaky foundations.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/newspress-collage-24430265-1697546855109.jpg\")
<\/picture>FACING JUSTICE <\/span><\/p>\nMaddie suspect's court date revealed as he faces separate sex attack charges<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/newspress-collage-22930822-1688550209339.jpg\")
<\/picture>'SECOND ATTACK' <\/span><\/p>\nMaddie prime suspect 'seen running from scene of alleged rape by witness'<\/h3>\n
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<\/picture>LAST MOMENTS <\/span><\/p>\nFrantic 911 call from Matthew Perry’s assistant could reveal cause of death<\/h3>\n
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<\/picture>FINAL MOMENTS <\/span><\/p>\nHeartbreaking 911 dispatch call gives clue to Matthew Perry’s cause of death<\/h3>\n
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<\/picture>DRUGS SHOCK <\/span><\/p>\n‘Numerous prescription drugs’ found at Matthew Perry’s home after his death<\/h3>\n
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