Madeleine McCann Disappearance: A Timeline

This article provides a factual timeline of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, a three-year-old British girl who vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. It is not a recipe, but a chronological account of key events, investigations, and developments. The timeline is presented for informational purposes, based on publicly reported facts.

Ingredients

2007: The year of the disappearance
Praia da Luz, Portugal: The location
Madeleine McCann: The missing child
Kate and Gerry McCann: Her parents
Portuguese Police (PolÃcia JudiciÃ¡ria): Initial investigators
Scotland Yard (Metropolitan Police): Later investigators

Instructions

May 3, 2007: Madeleine McCann disappears from the resort apartment in Praia da Luz while her parents dined at a nearby restaurant with friends. The Portuguese police open a missing person investigation.
May 2007: The case gains international media attention. The McCanns make public appeals for information. Portuguese police conduct searches and interviews but find no trace of Madeleine.
September 2007: Portuguese police name Kate and Gerry McCann as formal suspects (arguidos) after forensic evidence is reportedly found in a car they rented days after the disappearance. The McCanns deny any involvement.
October 2007: The Portuguese police file is sent to the public prosecutor. The McCanns’ arguido status is lifted in July 2008 due to lack of evidence.
2011: The Metropolitan Police in London launch a review of the case, codenamed Operation Grange, after a request from the UK government.
2013: Scotland Yard releases new e-fits of a man seen carrying a child near the resort. The Portuguese police reopen the case.
2014-2020: Several searches and excavations are conducted in Portugal and the UK, but no conclusive evidence is found. The case remains open.
2020: German authorities announce that they have identified a German man, Christian B., as a suspect. He is currently in prison in Germany for an unrelated crime.
2022: The Portuguese prosecutor formally closes the case against Christian B. due to insufficient evidence, but the investigation continues in Germany.
2023: The Metropolitan Police confirm that Operation Grange continues, but funding is reduced. The case remains unsolved.

Tips

Fact-checking: Always verify details from reliable news sources, as misinformation about the case is widespread.
Respect privacy: When discussing the case, be mindful of the McCann family’s privacy and the sensitivity of the topic.
Legal status: Remember that no one has been convicted in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance, and all suspects are presumed innocent.
International cooperation: The case highlights the importance of cross-border police cooperation in missing person investigations.

Serving Suggestions

This timeline is best served as a reference for journalists, students, or anyone seeking a clear chronological overview. It can be used in news articles, educational materials, or as a starting point for further research.

Variations

Timelines may vary slightly depending on the source, but the key dates and events are consistent. Some versions include more detail on the media coverage, the McCanns’ campaign, or the legal proceedings in Portugal and Germany.

Storage and Reheating

This timeline is a digital document and does not require storage or reheating. For future reference, you can bookmark this page or print a copy. The information is current as of the last update and may be subject to change as new developments occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Madeleine McCann?
Madeleine McCann disappeared from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007. Despite extensive searches and investigations, she has never been found.

Who are the suspects in the case?
Several persons of interest have been identified over the years, including a German man named Christian B., who was named a formal suspect in 2020. However, no one has been charged or convicted.

Why were Madeleine’s parents made suspects?
Kate and Gerry McCann were made formal suspects in 2007 after forensic evidence was reportedly found in a car they rented. They were cleared in 2008 due to lack of evidence.

Is the case still open?
Yes, the case remains open. The Metropolitan Police’s Operation Grange is still active, though with reduced funding. German authorities are also continuing their investigation into Christian B.

What is Operation Grange?
Operation Grange is the Metropolitan Police’s review and investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance, launched in 2011. It has conducted searches and interviews but has not yet solved the case.

What can I do to help?
If you have any information, you can contact the Metropolitan Police’s incident room or the McCanns’ official campaign website. Public tips have been crucial in the past.

More recipes to cook

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).