It's already shaping up to be a busy news week.

Tony Blair will announce this week his intentions about standing down as Labour leader and Prime Minister. We're already looking back at his time in power. Today he's in Northern Ireland to witness the setting-up of the power-sharing administration.

And we're continuing to report from Portugal on the search for missing girl Madeleine McCann.

I've already received some emails from viewers questioning why we have concentrated our coverage on ONE missing girl when the elections in Scotland, Wales and England affect MILLIONS of people.

I would argue that the story of the one missing girl also affects millions of people.

Other parents have emailed in with their views on the story (whether they have been on similar holidays, also left their children unattended or would never do so) and people living in Portugal who've helped in the search have contacted us with their first-hand accounts of the attempts to find missing Madeleine.

Paul

Comments

[Gerard Lee, Johannesburg 8 May 2007 16:04:50]

MY HEART GOES OUT TO GERRY AND KATE McCANN AT THIS EXTREMELY TRAUMATIC TIME IN THEIR LIVES. THEIR PAIN IS ALSO MY PAIN AS EACH DAY PASSES WITH NO NEWS OF THEIR BEAUTIFUL LITTLE DAUGHTER MADELEINE. ALL I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO THEM IS DO NOT DESPAIR. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS CONSTANTLY AND AS YOU WILL KNOW, PRAYER CAN BE VERY POWERFUL AND OUR LORD DOES LISTEN. HANG IN THERE.

[Ana Derham 8 May 2007 16:04:05]

I’ve been closely following little Maddie’s tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this terribly time.

Portuguese police has been criticised for being extremely slow at handling the case, however and as much as it’s understandable the frustration of little Maddie’s immediate family, it is important to note that they are indeed in a Country in which both laws and methods of practice differ greatly from the British Common Law approach. Portugal being a jurisdiction of civil law authority, have in fact prescribed laws for most thought of offences whether of civil or criminal nature. For every occurrence there’s a code of practice as well as conduct, which will enable relevant authorities to ensue necessary steps to deal with such occurrence. It may be unfair to direct derogatory comments at them at this stage.

As it has been reported, it is common practice to apply the “Secret of Justice” , and in instances such as this one, this rule becomes even more important, since any leak of information can greatly impair investigations and it is most likely to jeopardise the whole operation. It is absolutely not the case that silence from the part of the police, means they are not working hard or even harder in this case, in order to achieve results. It is simply their method of proceeding with the investigation at hand, without being caught up with publicity and the unwarranted speculation it can attract, thus preventing them from carrying on with their job.

There have been complaints with regard to notifying both the coastal and border police, again one must remember that it’s not easy to deploy an "army" in a matter of minutes to deal with a situation that no one is quite sure what exactly is, [as it were in the first hours of Maddie going missing]. Saying that however, had police at the border been informed even only 2 hours after Maddie went missing, it would already be too late to prevent her exit from the country, since the closest Spanish border is only 1 ½ hours away at the most!!

Portugal has enjoyed a much appreciated relationship with England dating hundreds of years back. I’m a Portuguese citizen, who considers London as being my home since I lived there for over a decade before moving to Ireland, I have no doubts as to the commitment the Portuguese nation as a whole (civilians and the judiciary) have and will continue to put in to this sad event, until such a time as a defining moment comes, whatever that may be.

My thoughts and prayers rest with little Maddie and her family.

[Debbie Darby 8 May 2007 16:00:52]

I would like to thank you for your continued coverage of Maddie’s disappearance. Your reporting has been informative, empathetic and supportive of Gerry and Kate. One can sense the frustration your reporters are feeling at the seeming lack of urgency being deployed by the local police. Sitting at home in Scotland, unable to gain any information other than watching Sky News – we have been able to compare the quality of news reports from other channels – Sky is by far the best. We are friends of the McCann family and our pain is indescribable. Please do not allow the profile to drop. Maddie needs to be kept in the headlines for as long as is humanly possible.

We last saw Maddie when 46 family and friends were on holiday in Donegal. She is an amazing little girl – bright, funny and adorable. Her parents are the most caring, and loving people – utterly devoted to Maddie, and to Sean and Amelie. Let them know if you can that friends and family at home are praying for them all.

Please continue to keep this story alive and to keep the world interested until we find Maddie safe and well.

Thank you.

[Tracey Atherton, Manchester 8 May 2007 15:56:13]

I believe that the police are doing their best and my heart goes out to the parents.
I think babies and children should be be chipped with some kind of small tracking device, so satalite navigation can pin point where they are in an instant. And in the event of a death and an hiding of a body can be found, and can be tracked where the child has been, which may also lead police to the offender before he has the chance to do anything.

[Dulce Mendes 8 May 2007 15:55:31]

I am Portuguese and moan very what it happened, I have 2 children and I do not obtain to imagine loses them in this way, but I want to leave a message to them measured English: " the Portuguese polices it is to make everything so that the girl is found. But who took the girl must not have left tracks or either was very well gliding, is enough to think: 3 alone small children in house, in an unknown country, cannot say that the guilt is of portuguese therefore resort is of one English gentleman. Who took the child or it knew or it said it well the English very if girl did not cry it. It is not truth? I wait that the girl comes back fast stops next to its parents.

Portugal is not the paradise, but he is not the saved one in no part of the world...

[James Martingale, Jersey, Channel Islands 8 May 2007 15:54:52]

was in Portugal with my family (wife, 2 1/2 year old daughter, 9 mth old daughter and mother in law) when little Maddie went missing. We were staying at Park de Florista which is a golf resort about 5/10 mins away from Luz. On the afternoon after Maddie's disapearance we drove through Luz to see if we could help with the search effort and could not find one single policeman to ask. The area around our resort, and the main road leading from it back to Luz was totally unpoliced and we saw no evidence of any "extensive searches". In the ensuing days, we saw a modest amount of activity (2 police dogs!) but absolutely no road side checks, police blockades or arial searches. On Friday night some friends drove across to Potugal to see us from their home in Spain and were not stopped once - even at the border. The same lack of interest in their car (on Spanish plates) was shown when they returned to Spain on Saturday afternoon. Our resort had a large number of villas on it most of which appeared empty, I was amazed that we didn't even get a knock on the door asking to look around or enquring about our whereabouts.

[Jacqueline Taylor 8 May 2007 15:54:07]

To Kate and Gerry McCann,

I would like to say to you both how deeply I feel for you, your family and of course for your beautiful daughter Madeleine. I pray for her safe return, I can only imagine the despair and the agony you must be going
through, I hope it is a small comfort to you to know how much people care for Madeleine all over the world, how she has touched all of our hearts.

[Kellie 8 May 2007 15:53:21]

i cant bear 2 think whats happening or happend 2 little maddie.

[Stephen, Aberdeen 8 May 2007 15:52:35]

hi there, ive been following the case on sky the last few days and id just like to show my support with finding the little girl. Its really sad and annoying and i hope we all get her back safely. I cant help but think though what about that possible sighting that someone was down by the marina etc are we checking boats that are in the water etc. what if she was taking on a boat or something while everyones looking around the town and the country etc. i just cant help but feel that someone would take her on a boat to somewhere else. I just havent heard anything else about that or any sea searches of boats that out there. surely casue they travel slower we could take the first night figure out how far a boat could travel an fly out on a chopper or something to look for boats or ports an harbors that boats have come into. maybe we'r doing that allready just havent heard anything about that yet. ? Like alot of people around the country we feel helpless and wish we could do something to help.

good luck to everyone and the police forces and i really feel for the parents this is like the worst thing ever that could happen to a parent and its all just really angry i hope we get this guy or people and get maddie back to her family safe.

[Susan 8 May 2007 15:51:55]

Can I just say that Madeleine is a stunningly beautiful child and I am praying for news of her. May I also add what a lot of others parents have been asking and that is why were the children left unattended when there are childcare facilities at the resort?

While it goes without saying that nobody deserves this anguish, I cannot help but think that there was a certain degree of irresponsibilty involved in leaving the children in this position. I would never ever leave my children unattended and would rather eat Pot Noodles for dinner than take such a risk.

Having said that I sincerely wish the family well and truly pray that their beautiful little girl is returned to them.

[Johan and Ina de Koning 8 May 2007 15:51:16]

Jerry and Kate

I am from South Africa and hope anyone may find Madeleine and return her to you as soon as possible.I ant imagine pain you two must be going through.I Pray to God up high to please keep her safe and to return her to you.May GOD give you strenght and comfort you.I will be thinking and praying everyday for Madeleine.

[Sally Hartley, West Sussex 8 May 2007 15:50:33]

My first baby is four months old and she is the most precious thing in my life. I can now understand how strong and emotionally consuming a mother's love is for her child. Madeline's parents must be going through absolute torture every minute of every day. Along with millions of others nationwide I feel completely useless and wish desperately that Madeline was back where she belongs with her family.

[Vanessa and family 8 May 2007 15:49:46]

I've wanted to get in touch since the end of last week…I've been hoping and praying for Madeleine's safe return to her parents ever since hearing the terrible news.

Someone, somewhere must know something…and I feel convinced that before long, they'll give the police the breakthrough they need to find Madeleine and return her safely to her family. I watch Sky News virtually on the hour when I'm home, each time hoping we'll hear some really good news of Madeleine being found safe and well.

My family & I are all thinking of her too…in particular her lovely parents and really hoping that our prayers will make a difference, plus also my friends at work are all feeling the same.

Please, please, let Kate & Gerry know how much we care, we're really thinking of them…their lovely family and praying that they'll soon be some wonderful news of Madeleine's safe return.

Kindest regards,

[Denise Hilton 8 May 2007 15:49:11]

To the parents of Madaline Mccann

As a parent myself I cannot even begin to express my sadness at maddy's disappearance.
I have cried everyday, everytime I see your daughters big beautiful eyes on TV it breaks my heart.

Please be strong and TOUGH with the police, demand to be kept upto date, speak to every local newspaper, radio station that you can to get more & more people looking for maddy.
I think the search should be nationwide in portugal, not just in the LUZ area and outwards.


Keep in mind that someone, somewhere, knows something! However small they might think it is, it might be significant to you.

I will continue to pray for your little angel and hope that she is returned back to you unharmed.

[Jenny Black 8 May 2007 15:48:25]

I have been watching the horrible story of Maddie's disappearance & the amazing & compassionate reporting by Anna Botting. I have watched a program on television about Canadian psychics who help police...maybe some of the reward money could be used to get one or more of them to go to Praia da Luz and help. Anything just to help those poor parents. What about the boats...have they been searched??? Thank god Sky News is there...Please keep up the coverage...its the only way that someone who may know something may come forward...

[John Daramy, Chesterfield 8 May 2007 15:47:09]

We in the UK are used to our Police forces "grandstanding" whenever there is a crisis. Just because the Portuguese Police do not give hourly bulletins does not mean they are not doing a through job.

[Kerrie Milne, Scotland 8 May 2007 15:46:20]

Gerry and Kate, I would like to offer my greatest strength to your family at this time. I do not know how you both must be feeling but I can only imagine the greatest sadness as I have a young boy of a similar age to Madeleine. I pray for this nightmare to be over very soon for your family and I hope that Madeleine is found safe and well. My thoughts are with you all.

[Isabel Lourenco, Lisbon 8 May 2007 15:45:40]

I’m a Portuguese mother and have been reading and viewing all the news about Maddie’s case in the last days. First of all I would like to say that any mother whatever her origin or nationality is deeply moved by everything Maddie’s parents are going trough and hope that Maddie will be reunited with her Family as soon as possible.

I have heard from several different sources critics to the Portuguese police. Well let me say to you that never before any child, any family had so much support and commitment as Maddie, in Portugal. I truly believe that the Portuguese authorities are doing a very good job.

We also heard it said that in Portugal we should have Cameras on the street like in Britain. The Holiday resort where this family is staying is owned by a British citizen and has neither surveiling cameras nor a reception desk or security guards, but it has babysitters.

Every year my family and I spend several weeks in a holiday resort in the Algarve and we are each time appalled with the easiness that British and Germans alike let their children alone on the beach at the hotels on the streets and in the supermarkets. I’m sure they feel securer probably than in their own cities, but we have a saying: the occasion makes the thief.

In the resort we spend our holidays we have witnessed repeatedly parents who leave their children (normally toddlers) alone in the apartments and sit at night at the bar or in the restaurant with their baby phones on. If a child falls, or chokes, or has a nightmare you take about 3 to 4 minutes to get back to your apartment.

I think that it would be very important to make the public aware of the risks this behaviour has. It does not mean that you are a bad parent, but it makes the opportunity for something bad to happen. As I have witnessed this habit, so have other’s who don’t have good intentions, as I said it is something we commonly see in the Algarve.

[Chris Lilburn 8 May 2007 15:44:45]

Kate & Gerry

The whole of ENGLAND & THE WORLD is hoping and praying for you and your family and the safe return of your little Maddie GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL SAFE NEVER GIVE UP HOPE

[Joanna, Bahrain 8 May 2007 15:43:56]

To the Mc Cann family.

Like so many more at this time, I'm sending my prayers that your little girl will be found safe and well.

To not know what might be happening to her, or where she is, and to imagine that she might be calling out for you to help her.... and you can't....no words can convey that kind of pain and heartache.God be with you.

[Pam Stevenson, Burnley, Lancashire 8 May 2007 15:43:09]

For little maddys mummy and daddy i too have left my children when they were younger and been just a stones throw away i cant imagine how you are both feeling. i too cant sleep everyone is praying for you godbless you both and all your family

[Christine du Toit 8 May 2007 15:41:39]

DEAREST SKY NEWS.I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR NEWS REPORT BACK ABOUT MADDIE.THIS IS HEARTBREAKING AND LETS TRUST THAT MADIE WILL BE FOUND ALIVE. MY PRAYERS ALL THE WAY FROM SOUTH AFRICA

[Tricia 8 May 2007 15:40:57]

My family and I have been watching the news and praying for Maddy's safe return.

My children keep asking if Maddy has been returned to her mummy and daddy.

You are all in my prayers and I hope that your baby is returned to you. I can only imagine the pain and anguish you must be going through. Hoping Maddy is returned to you safe and well.

[Brenda Carrington 8 May 2007 15:40:23]

I lived for years in Praia da Luz and now live in Lagos. The traditional Luz community was obviously the Portuguese, and then the English arrived and intergated to the point of Luz now being more English than Portuguese.
We had a large influx of Eastern europeans, who are extreemly hard working, but they also brought a rogue element with them, crimes that had never happened before started to happen. Maybe your reporters should ask a few questions along that line of enquiery. This tragic event is giving a very bad name to the whole community. If this person is not caught would you bring your kids here? Is the question -- and Luz prides itself on being a family resort

[Jen 8 May 2007 15:39:41]

I just want to express my deepest thoughts and prayers to the family, and to little maddy herself, that she is returned safe and well. I pray that the families ordeal is soon over with, and with a happy result.
I too know what it is like for a child to be taken, my 2 yr old was taken but thankfully found and returned safely. This is all I could ever wish for in this case too. To the family, I know its hard, but try to remain positive, you have the world behind you every step of the way.

[Jane Bartlett 8 May 2007 15:38:36]

To the McCann family,

Your whole family is constantly in my thoughts. My heart bleeds and I weep for you and your beautiful little girl. When my own son lost his bowel and nearly died I thought it was every parent's worst nightmare, but nothing compares to what you must be going through. At least we were with our son throughout his ordeal. I can't sleep at night thinking about your beautiful daughter, and it is impossible to imagine what kind of person can do this to a young child.

I pray for you all constantly and that Madeline is returned safely to you, her family, where she belongs.

[Michele Stewart, Livingston, West Lothian 8 May 2007 15:37:54]

To the parents of Madeleine McCann-

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,your trauma has deeply affected my family beyond belief . We all wish there was something we could do to ease your pain ! We hope your faith and your two other children are helping you to get through each day and hope with all our hearts that you will have Maddy back safely in your arms very soon.

keep believing

[Dawn, Great Yarmouth 8 May 2007 15:33:51]

It breaks my heart. What a beautiful little angel. I hope and pray that she is found safe and well. My heartfelt thoughts are with her parents and family
at this difficult time.

[Tracey Jones, Northwich, Cheshire 8 May 2007 15:32:29]

i have been on holidays in portugal and always felt safe. I pray for your daughter and your family i can't imagine the pain that you are going through.

[Traci Ostmeyer, Johannesburg 8 May 2007 15:31:30]

I live in South Africa where crime as you know is huge but ever since I heard of Maddy's disappearance I have not stopped thinking about you all and watch Sky for updates all day.

I have a 17 month old daughter and cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray 100 times a day for beautiful Maddys safe return.

[liz uk 8 May 2007 15:31:21]

my thoughts go out for this little girl

However, the critism of the portuguese police is unwarrented. They are doing the best they can.

If any blame should be discussed in depth on sky , we should be looking at why the parents left 3 children under the age of 4 unattended.

Bottom line is , if they had been responsible parents they would have either stayed and got dinner in or payed for childcare and this entire gut wrenching episode would NEVER have happened.

However it is not politically correct to make this type of comment! But then i would never have dreamed of leaving my children without parental supervision when they were younger.

[The Coopers, Stourbridge 8 May 2007 15:30:48]

We wish u all the best. May the lord b with u. All our love luck and best wishes.

[Linda Gillespie 8 May 2007 15:30:08]

I have three children of my own and cannot begin to imagine your fears for your daughter I cannot stop thinking about her and pray for her safe return

[Laura Cooper 8 May 2007 15:29:28]

i cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through right now. this has touched me to the core. i pray for you all the time

[Michelle, Gloucester 8 May 2007 15:28:55]

Why do these things have 2 happen. my thoughts are with u both. and i hope and pray 4 maddies safe return.

[Sarah 8 May 2007 15:28:20]

I think the police out there have handled it really bad, they should of alearted all ports and airports straight away not waiting until they think she has been abducted, they should of searched the borders with spain too, now that the british police are out there now lets hope that they get more sense and help from them.

My heart goes out to the family, and i am sure everybody else will be saying prayes for the family, i have had the news on constent, lets all hope and pray that they get maddie back for her birthday, once they found the abuductor they want to throw away the key.

[Rachel 8 May 2007 15:27:04]

Dear Gerry and Kate.

As a mother to my own beautiful little girl I cannot begin to imagine how I would cope if I was in your position right now. I have shed many tears for you as a family, especially your beautiful little girl Madeleine. I can only hope and pray for a miracle . I pray that your precious little girl Madeleine comes back to you safely so very soon. Being a parent is the best gift in the world but its also the hardest thing. Maddie will know how much she is loved by you, please hold that in your hearts and DO NOT blame yourselves in any way. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

[Claus Noree, Stockholm, Sweden 8 May 2007 15:26:27]

I am sure that if the police collect all the snapshots that the holidaymakers took on the days prior to the abduction and on the actual day, the guilty person would show up on one of them.

[Sister Elizabeth and St Brigid's School 8 May 2007 15:25:47]

Kate & Gerry

We are all praying the Rosary for you and Maddie. Please join with us in asking our Lady of Fatima Queen of Portugal to bring Maddie back safely to you.

May Mary our Mother comfort and console you.

[Peter, Southend-on-Sea 8 May 2007 15:24:48]

Hello all at sky news, I have to say firstly my heart goes out to the parents of little Maddie.

I have been following the story and seen how the search area radius from where she was taken has been increased but there seems to me to be a possibility that she could have been taken away on a boat, the area where she went missing is very close to the Mediterranean sea. Has anyone thought to check all seagoing traffic or checked the movement of boats from nearby marinas? Or maybe this is why the authorities have kept quiet.

[Lisa Martin, Bristol 8 May 2007 15:23:42]

Dear Kate, Gerry and families,

Every time I turn on the TV tears stream down my face and I feel very helpless and sad. I do not even know Maddie or any of you yet I feel absolutely devastated and pray that she comes home soon, safe and well. If I could have one wish today, It wouldn't be to win the lottery, live for eternity or anything like that - it would be to find Maddie safe and well and have her returned home to the family that obviously love and miss her very much. I cannot even imagine how you must be feeling, I will pray for Maddie and I will pray that whoever has taken Maddie will realise that they have made a terrible mistake and send her home where she belongs. Stay strong not only for Maddie but for your two beautiful twins.

[Andrew Langdale (parent of 3 younsters) 8 May 2007 15:22:59]

Why no criticism of the parents neglect in leaving their kids home alone.

If they had left them alone like this in this country it would bee illegal.

How could the parents think a meal alone was worth more than the well-being of their children?

[Jenni Poletti, Somerset West 8 May 2007 15:22:06]

From the southern tip of Africa we lift you all up in prayer for the safe and speedy return of little Madeleine. We pray also for the Portuguese police, their dogs and all those working on this most difficult of exercises - that of a missing child. But amid all the heartache we will stand firm in our belief that Madeleine will be found safe and sound. Gerry and Kate, our hearts go out to you and we send you love and blessings.

[Liz Nielsen 8 May 2007 15:21:12]

Dear Madeleine

I pray will all my heart that you are back with your mummy, daddy, sister and brother very soon. I send all my love, my thoughts are constantly with you and your family.

[Dawn Elder, Angus, Scotland 8 May 2007 15:20:27]

i would just like to say to madeleine's family that my prayers and hopes for maddy are with them.as a mother of 3 myself i cannot begin to imagine what torture they must be going through as the days searching for their beautiful daughter go on. i hope and pray with all my heart that she is found safe and returned to her loving family.

[Tracey 8 May 2007 15:19:46]

has nobody asked the question why maddie mccanns mum and dad left 3 small children alone in that hotel to have a meal was there no babysitting service what were they thinking about

[Victoria 8 May 2007 15:18:30]

On holiday in the Algarve just now and we visited the area the day maddie went missing. Makes me feel so,so lucky that my 6 yr old is still by my side.My thoughts areWith the mcann family.

[Miguel de Sousa 8 May 2007 15:17:08]

Please let Madeleine's parents know that both i and my daughter Annabel are praying for them and for the safe return of their beautiful daughter.
i am portuguese, a father of 5 children, living in London for the last 37 years, and i am sharing your pain, despair and anxiety. But i am praying hard and from the bottom of my heart for your little daughter to be safe, and to be reunited with you very soon.
Trust in God and do not worry. He alone can bring Madeleine back soon, to your great elation! He will lead the police to find your daughter safe and sound, so as to celebrate her 4th. birthday with Mum and Dad and her little brother and sister on Saturday!

[Hilary Stewart, Spain 8 May 2007 15:16:17]

Dear Kate, Gerry and all the McCann family.

I cannot begin to know the pain and anguish you are experiencing or how you are managing to cope with your emotions, but like millions of other parents, I am praying for Madeleine’s safe return very soon and praying too, that you can stay strong and courageous through this terrible ordeal.

My thoughts are constantly with you and I send you my sincerest heartfelt wishes for a happy and speedy outcome.

[Sam Matthews 8 May 2007 15:15:31]

Please send my thought and prayers to the McCann family.

We are a family just like you. We heard the news of your daughter and felt sheer panic and horrow. We have left our children asleep and sat in the restaurant opposite our apartment on holiday as you did. We knew that our children wouldn't wake and checked on them as you did. Nobody could possible imagine that someone would break in and abduct a child. I can't sleep thinking about your daughter imagining if it were my own. My heart breaks for you. I pray that you get your beautiful little girl back soon.

Best wishes

[Naomi Kefford 8 May 2007 15:14:54]

I cannot get you out of my mind. I switch on the news every half hour and hope that there will be news of Maddie. I am a mother of a boy Maddie's age and my heart breaks for you. I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through. Stay strong and we will all keep hoping and praying for Maddie's safe return.

[Katerina, Stephen and our four children, Berlin 8 May 2007 15:13:56]

Dear Kate and dear Gerry,
we pray for your little gorgeous Madeleine every day and hope she will soon be back with you. We can only imagine how extremely hard this time must be for you both and the rest of the family. We admire your huge strength to be able to stand up and speak in front of the cameras. We are hoping for good news to come very very soon. We will keep praying for them every moment we can.

[Sally Yolland 8 May 2007 15:13:10]

To Maddie's Parents, I'm not sure I believe in God, but I am praying you see your little girl again soon and that she is unharmed. I couldn't begin to imagine what you are suffering and my thoughts are with you, I only wish I could offer more.

[Dom 8 May 2007 15:12:21]

Would it not be more helpful to report on ideas on how to help find Madeleine rather than on the reasons why the police are not revealing what they know and whether or not it is right to leave your child alone or not - how hurtful for the family who knowingly did nothing wrong.

You have SUCH immense power. Surely, having repeated bulletins on what Madeleine was wearing, what she looks like etc would be more helpful. The continual drip-drip of the same definite information might just catch people who have yet not heard this vital information.

You must have countless camera crews out there with access to the critical information and who are presumably hanging around between recordings. Could they not help in some other way? Print out missing persons posters/access to radio/ liaising with local tv stations. Appeal to celebrities to come and help the search which would then entice others along.

Please just stop sensationalising this - this is about a little girls life and that of her family. Do what is right and helpful rather than starting all this needless and speculative analysis. Forget all the ridiculous politics - this is about finding a little girl.

PLEASE HELP FIND HER.

[Dawn 8 May 2007 15:11:45]

i would just like to say to madeleine's family that my prayers and hopes for maddy are with them.as a mother of 3 myself i cannot begin to imagine what torture they must be going through as the days searching for their beautiful daughter go on. i hope and pray with all my heart that she is found safe and returned to her loving family.

[John Murphy 8 May 2007 15:11:12]

Our hearts go out to the parents of beautiful little Maddie, everytime we see her pictures on tv we have to fight back the tears, we watch hoping to see her reunited with her lovely family.

We live in France now after our daughter was murdered in England, hoping that this is a better place to bring up our other 2 children, but this that has happened to Maddie has confirmed our thoughts that you can never be to complacent in this terrible world we live in.

Prayers for the Mc Cann family.

[The Stewarts 8 May 2007 15:09:44]

To the parents of Madeleine McCann-

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,your trauma has deeply affected my family beyond belief . We all wish there was something we could do to ease your pain ! We hope your faith and your two other children are helping you to get through each day and hope with all our hearts that you will have Maddy back safely in your arms very soon.
Keep believing.

[Kay Hilton, Johannesburg 8 May 2007 15:08:37]

Missing and abducted children are fairly common occurrences in South Africa, and our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to the McCann family at this terrible time. At no point must they blame themselves, we too,on many occasions, left our children asleep in bed, while having a meal close by, and checked on them every 20 to 30 minutes. But that was over 20 years ago, and unfortunately the world is now such a different place.

[Kim Cardnell, London 8 May 2007 15:07:40]

I hope and pray that Maddie is found safe and well very soon. My heart goes out to you.

[Laura, Berkshire 8 May 2007 15:01:22]

Lets not criticise them but pray and support them in any way we can. We as parents are not perfect and we all make mistakes. I am not religious at all but l have said a few prayers before l have closed my eyes to go to sleep. I have Sky News on most of the day because of what has happened hoping to hear some news that she is safe and well. My daughter is 3 years old and every time l see a picture of this beautiful little girl, I just see my own daughter. I have shed many tears for her mummy and daddy. Please, let them have a happy ending and let her come home soon.

[Amy, Witham, Essex 8 May 2007 15:00:31]

I really feel for Maddy's parents. I'm a Hindu and I am praying and lighting up a lamp 24 hours to ask for the safe return of this innocent little girl.
I may not be of the same faith as her family but I have something in common with them, I am also a parent.
I pray for them to be strong and to be a family again when they are returning home.

[Ritchie family, Speke, Liverpool 8 May 2007 14:59:49]

Can u tell maddys mum an dad we r praying for the save return of maddy

[Liz, Newcastle on Tyne 8 May 2007 14:58:41]

My heart goes out for this lovely family. I pray that they will get maddie back safe and well soon. One should be able to leave their children just as kate & jerry did!(as they were near by) no one should take children that do not belong to them. My heart breaks for this family.

[Patricia Merriman 8 May 2007 14:57:38]

To the Parents of Maddie McCann

How can anyone begin to imagine what horrors you have been enduring over the last five days? Words seem so inadequate to express how much I should like to convey that my heart and thoughts are with you at this dreadful time.

No parents should ever have to go through such a dreadful heartbreaking experience and I pray that your beautiful little girl is found very soon and returned unharmed to you both and her beloved siblings.

Your obvious love for each other and dignity throughout is heart-warming. I do so hope that you are reunited with Maddie very quickly.

[Alison Hockney and family, Hertfordshire 8 May 2007 14:56:49]

Dear Kate and Jerry

Words can't explain how much my family I and wish we could do something constructive to help you. My 7 year old woke up this morning asking if Madeline had been found and I wish I was able to say yes.

Everyone I talk to talks about your awful situation and even those who don't believe in God are praying hard for you. I can honestly say that I have been praying all day, every day for you and keep turning on sky hoping to see a wonderful news report.

Stay strong as everyone is wishing, hoping and praying for Madeline to be found safe and well and remember..no one is going to "lose interest" in this case..our lives do carry on..but you are apart of our lives and will not be forgotton.

Lots and lots of love

[Cath, Bury 8 May 2007 14:55:59]

The world is watching and praying for Maddie. Portugal needs to get its act together and fast.

[Vanessa Clayton 8 May 2007 14:54:58]

Please send my heartfelt thoughts to Kate and Gerry Mcann. I am praying that little Maddie will be found safe and well very soon. I can't imagine what they are going through but I am sure there are so many people thinking of them day and night and wish we could help them more in some way to bring their beautiful daughter back soon.

[Mrs Lawrence, Blackburn 8 May 2007 14:54:05]

I just wanted to send wishes of support to the parents and other family members of missing toddler, Maddie McCann and to let them know that people here in the UK are praying hard for her safe return. Never before has a news story hit so hard. It is so frustrating not being able to do anything, feeling so helpless. I wish the police would do more, or at least let people know, especially her parents what the current situation is. Is it not possible, with such a delay in police action, border controls etc, that someone has taken Maddie somewhere further out than the 40km search area. I think everyone wants to help bring Maddie back to her parents, could the police not recruit groups of respected community members from each and every town throughout Portugal to carry out house to house searches? Surely, people with nothing to hide would not object to this and i'm sure there would be many volunteers to undertake such a process. If every house and building was searched, surely little Maddie would be found. I'm pretty sure this isn't a vaible option as it's never been done before, but i'm not sure why. The public are no doubt devastated by this news and this would give everyone the opportunity in Portugal to get involved. Maybe its radical and impractical, but then again, there is a 3 year old little girl out there somewhere and she needs to be found and found quickly.

Just needed to get that off my chest. Thanks to everyone at Sky for all the information you are providing, i can see how frustrating it is for your reporters too.

[Lynn, Gloucestershire 8 May 2007 14:53:12]

The parents are not blameless. I am truly devastated for them this has happened, but it MUST be said. I've had three sons, been on many holidays.
Never would it have even entered my head to leave them even for a few minutes. The choices are: take turns to eat out or bring food home. Simple.
Leaving children alone - and these, 3 under 4! - not an option. They could have woken choking, upset tummy, electrical problems, a fire, abduction; the list endless. Please may she come home but also, parents who do this; please learn. It is illegal for a reason. Lynn Glos.

[Fran Milner, Rothwell, Northamptonshire 8 May 2007 14:52:21]

I have a 3 year old daughter who saw Madeleine’s photograph on the front of a newspaper – when she saw the picture her reaction without any prompting was “ ahhhhhh cute “ . She truly is a beautiful little girl and I hope for her safe return, to be re-united with her family. It is simply heart wrenching.

[Natalie, Malta 8 May 2007 14:51:28]

I would like to share the Mc Canns in sypathy for their lovley daughter here in our house in Malta we are praying every day. I have two daughters myself and i cant imagine what they are going through.

Even in our local church we have said prayers.
god be with you.

[Sally McDonald 8 May 2007 14:50:47]

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mccann and Family,

Please know that you are in so many peoples thoughts and prayers, not just here in the u.k (Leicestershire) but all over the world.

Draw strength from peoples support to help you through this terrible, terrible time to bring back Maddie to you where she belongs.

Our thoughts are with you all x

[Jean Chinn 8 May 2007 14:50:08]

As the ex Headteacher of an International school on the Algarve I feel I must protest at the overt criticism of the Portuguese police in this tragic case.We have absolutely no right to comment on the methods used in a country where this crime, unlike Britain is virtually unknown. In my 16 years experience the Police on the Algarve were always prompt, co-operative and extremely helpful whenever they were needed at our school

[Jan 8 May 2007 14:49:31]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your family. I cannot imagine what you are going through right now.I pray every day that this will be the day you have Maddie safe by your side.My own son was 3 yrs old the same as Maddie when we last took him on holiday.Try to keep strong.

[Dr Cohen and family 8 May 2007 14:48:54]

My family and i are praying and hoping that madeline is returned safe and well very soon. I prayed at synagogue this morning. God bless.

[Ian and Es Gethen, East Sussex 8 May 2007 14:48:08]

We are grandparents and send you our prayers and support.

[Carole Parker 8 May 2007 14:47:25]

I find the Portuguese Law most frustrating. What proof is there that they are doing as much as can be done at all? Who do they answer to?

I do believe that Ben Needham's mother reported that it took 24 hours for the Portguese authorities to alert all exit points after Madeleine was abducted.

This is outrageous as we are looking at one whole night and one whole day in which an abductor had more than enough time to have taken Madeleine out of the country !!

If, as we are hearing, that this was a well planned operation, the person may even have had a forged passport already in place. He certainly had enough hours to have taken a photograph of Madeleine in daylight for the passport.

Why are they concentrating all of their attention on the surrounding area, even though this has now become more widespread? The little girl could already be in another country as it is, due to their slowness in alerting all of the exit points.

We are continually seeing the same video footage over and over again of the search. Why aren't we seeing new searches in new areas for goodness sake !!! Can we see proof that this is in fact being done? Why are we continually being shown the same house, same dogs, same piece of grassland over and over again if new searches are underway?

I doubt very much whether Madeleine is still in the country. First we were told she was close by - then they had a suspect who turned out to be no suspect at all - then they believed she was still alive - but 5 days on, we are no closer than we were on the day she went missing.

They should have started searching out of the country at least 3 days ago !!

[June 8 May 2007 14:44:48]

My heart goes out 2 those distraugt parents. We are not here 2 judge them. Can a clairvoiant step in 2 help. I will continue 2pray 4 maddies safe return.

[Hazel Gregory 8 May 2007 14:44:02]

Gerry and Kate my thoughts are with you at this time, may God give you the strength you need day by day. I pray for the safe return of your daughter. Bless you all.

[Lisa Barma 8 May 2007 14:42:19]

we would like to send all our support and best wishes and hope the family stay strong together,we know the people of Greater Manchester are all thinking of you love and best wishes.

[Dave 8 May 2007 14:41:28]

No 3 year old should be left on there own for even a minute or 2. Madelines parents should know what the world is like these days.

[Caroline 8 May 2007 14:40:54]

Please stop questioning whether maddie should have been left or not. Her poor parents must b devastated at their decision but so many of us would have do e the same. I cannont stop thinkin about this and just hope and pray for a happy ending.

[Sherry Prosser, Upper Heyford, Northamptonshire 8 May 2007 14:39:34]

As a parent of two young children my heart goes out to Maddie’s parents. Words cannot possibly express how they must be feeling. I cannot stop thinking about their little girl. Whilst it is important to respect the laws of other countries, these are exceptional circumstances and I do think that there should be much more liaison with the media. I think it is wrong to protect the law at the possible cost of gaining any new and possibly crucial information on Maddy’s whereabouts. Her welfare must be absolutely paramount and if the law needs to be compromised in the process then so be it. It is clear that this area of Portugal is unfamiliar with such cases, fortunate for them. Therefore they should rely heavily on the voice of experience. Police forces in this and other countries are sadly familiar with such cases albeit rarely and they always use the media to their advantage. I think the Portugese police should take every ounce of help that is on offer particularly from the British police and they should fully embrace the modern age of media. Maddy and her family are far more important than any law of any country.

This terrible event is a sad reminder that evil people walk this earth and that our children are always at possible risk. No doubt we will all be keeping our children a little closer to us than we did a week ago. Plese please let her be found safe and well. My thoughts are with her and all her family and friends.

[Rui de Oliveira 8 May 2007 14:38:41]

Obviously what has happened is not acceptable but so is the fact that the parents left three very young children all alone in the apartment. The excuse is that they were in a safe environment and therefore it is acceptable. Well I am a parent of three children and never were any of our children left alone, not only for fear that someone would come and kidnap them, this was the last thing on our mind. So many things can go wrong and so quickly, drowning, choking, electric shock to name a few.

Before you criticize the actions of a police force that has little if any chance of finding the kidnapper as by now the child is probably in the north of Europe due to open borders, you should strongly condemn the actions of the parents for had they not been so foolish as to leave their children alone none of the events now taking place would have ever occurred. The buck stops there……

[Katrina, Mark and Beth Finney, Leicester 8 May 2007 14:37:57]

Is it possible to send a message to the McCann family please?

I just wanted to say that our every waking thought is with you. I can't stop crying for beautiful Madeleine, and for you all. May God show mercy.

[Linda Tavener 8 May 2007 14:36:59]

Dear Mr & Mrs McCann

I'm writing to you from Zimbabwe to let you know that there are millions of people praying for the safe return of your daughter. Sky News is on my television every minute I am at home to see if they have found her yet.

I am a first time grandmother of a 19 month old little boy and this has brought home how precious children are.

My husband initially thought - being as you are both professionals - that maybe it was disgruntled patient that had followed you on your holiday and kidnapped Maddie. Its just a thought - every avenue must be looked into.

We are praying that Maddie is found soon and your family will once again be complete.

Love and prayers.

[Tara Parsons 8 May 2007 14:36:18]

What I don't understand is that they are saying that the search area is now 9 miles, what is going on around the marina area as that seems to be where some of the people that could have seen something are stating sightings. Where are the nearby ports and is there any cctv camera's in the area?

My son is the same age as Maddy and I can't begin to imagine the trauma they are going through, although I would never have left him, I would have used the babysitting service or the crèche.

[Christina 8 May 2007 14:35:36]

I am an Australian living in Nairobi, Kenya. I have never contacted a news channel before but after watching the tragic story of little Maddie McCann I just want somehow to let her family know that my heart is breaking for them and I am thinking about them constantly. The photos of Maddie show a gorgeous little girl who looks very much like my granddaughter and I am hoping and praying that their beloved daughter will be returned to them soon, safe and sound.

I just also want to say to them that every parent has left their children alone for a few minutes, believing they are in a safe environment, whether we admit to it or not and it is just luck that in the vast majority of cases nothing untoward happens. We parents are just human so please don't blame yourselves for this.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Julienne, Kildare 8 May 2007 14:34:33]

Our hearts go out to the parents and family of beautiful little Maddie. It must be sickening to know nothing of her whereabouts or who has her. We pray that she will be found safe and well, and back with her family where she belongs.

[Angela, Dublin 8 May 2007 14:33:53]

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all your extended families. As a mother, myself, I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are going through. I know, I don't stand alone, when I say, that your beautiful daughter has captured the hearts of many people around the world and we are united in prayer, praying for her safe recovery. May God, give you his strength and comfort and I sincerely hope that the GNR find her safe and well ." Mary Mother of God, protect Madeleine from all harm".

[Lorraine Moore-White, Co Kildare 8 May 2007 14:33:14]

Please know little Maddy is in our Hearts, thoughts and prayers. We are all praying for her safe return. I have three boys under 10 and they too are praying for maddy, teachers in schools here are praying also. May God bless you and give you strength. I cannot begin to understand the pain you must be going through, with the grace of God your little angel will return safely and very very soon.

[Lynn Scott, Greenock 8 May 2007 14:32:10]

This is just a note to say that as a mother of a ten year old , I cant even begin to imagine what you as a family are going through.

We have been praying for Maddie every night and for yous as a family and hope to God someone brings Maddie back home to you Today.

[Sarah Peart 8 May 2007 14:31:30]

I would like to sent my wishes to Gerry & Kate McCann and their family. I cannot even imagine how they must be feeling and how they are managing to cope with such tragic circumstances. I have a daughter of the same age, she even looks similar to Maddie, and this has really affected me emotionally. The pain the family must be going through is sure to be absolutely awful and I really do hope and pray that Maddie is safe and well wherever she is. I hope the Portugese police are doing all they can and hope this nightmare for the family ends very soon.

[Tracy 8 May 2007 14:30:45]

Please could you pass this message on to the family of missing girl maddy.

I am also a mother and can not imagine what you are all going through, i have been watching the updates on sky news over in germany where my self, husband and 20 month old daughter are posted. I just want to send you all my best wishes and love, keep strong and i know it is easier said than done!

Once again my thoughts and love are with you all

[Ann 8 May 2007 14:28:55]

Give the Portugese Police a chance, please, in the hunt for little Maddy. Portugal is a very calm, child-loving place, and this is all a horrible shock to them. People go to Portugal on holiday, and sometimes, their wallets or credit cards go missing. Never, until now, does a child vanish.
Portugese people simply would not understand the concept of the deliberatly evil, awful hurt and cruelty against little children that, sadly, we are so accustomed to daily, here. Think...Holly + Jessica, Jamie Bulger, Sarah Payne, and all the other slaughtered innocents.
Basically, nobody, has the faintest clue, where baby Maddy is right now, let's be real. But, misplaced blame and ignorant finger-pointing won't find Maddy, either.

[Jeanes family, Sussex 8 May 2007 14:27:51]

To the McCann family, may God give u all his strength,peace and comfort.We lift darling Maddie and all the family in our prayers daily.

[Jas Sandu 8 May 2007 14:13:00]

Why doesn’t the police in England run a search for British public visiting the region in the last 4 weeks where their stay overlaps the McCann’s visit.

This could then be cross reference against lists the police/government holds on offenders’ lists.

The other idea would be to use google earth and check to see if satellite image was taken of the area at the time for any cars that may have been parked nearby.

I cannot imagine this cross reference search taking too long to eliminate it being anybody from the UK.

Concerned member of public

[Sara Barker, Watford 8 May 2007 14:12:11]

I just wanted to send my thoughts and best wishes to the parents of little Maddie. My heart goes out to them and I cannot stop thinking about what they and little Maddie, wherever she is, are going through. They are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope they get their little girl back soon.

[Anna 8 May 2007 14:11:29]

I am an Australian citizen living in Portugal and am tired and frustrated listening to your correspondent constantly criticising the Portuguese police.

She has said thoughtless statements such as 'it appears they don't care'. Portuguese people are very loving and caring and are truly heartbroken and concerned for this little girl's safety. Such general and malicious statements are just careless and wrong.

If anything is hindering the investigation it is people such as this women. She has absolutely moved the focus of the story to ' Who do it better? Portuguese Police or British Police?' Locals are arguing this and worrying about what devastating effects such publicity will have on their region. No-one any longer talks, brainstorms and thinks about poor Maddy.

Who is this women to suggest that the family would be any better off knowing every lead, thought and turn of the investigation. They will be devastated with or without information.

Who knows which is the better way of dealing with a situation such as this - with or without media - Portuguese way or British way - but surely this argument could be saved until after the conclusion of this horrific incident. If your correspondent cannot control her child-like upset over being kept from a secret - maybe everyone is better served if she just went home and you found a more mature correspondent.

[Ben in London 8 May 2007 14:10:38]

I find it extremely frustrating that a professional couple could leave three young children all under the age of 4 years of age on their own in a strange country at night.

[Mary Levins 8 May 2007 14:09:43]

Here in Limerick at our weekly Novena to St Anthony we all prayed for the safe return of this little girl. St Anthony was born in Portugal so we all hope for a successful outcome.

[Lucy 8 May 2007 14:08:57]

We are so saddened to hear about your beautiful daughter Maddie. We have been coming to the Algarve every year since out 4 year old was 3 months old. We had an incident last year when our child was openly approached at lunch time. Thankfully we were nearby. It could have been very different for us too. We are coming to Portugal in one week just up the coast from you. We will keep our eyes scanned for her. All our love.

[Caroline, Bristol 8 May 2007 14:07:43]

my heart goes out 2 u all can imagine how u are feeling or coping i pray every night 4 a happy end 2 ur nitemare

[Deb and Paul Gray 8 May 2007 14:06:56]

We are praying for the safe return of your precious little girl you are all in our thoughts

[Lesley Hammerton, Lowestoft, Suffolk 8 May 2007 14:06:09]

My heart goes out to your both i cant begin to imagine what you are going through , keep strong

[Lynda, Manchester 8 May 2007 14:05:18]

i would just like 2 say that i am thinking of u all i have been praying 4 u all and that little angel of yours 2 be found safe and sound god bless u all

[Ian Crawford 8 May 2007 14:04:36]

Why not bring in a famous psychic in the search for madeleine . At the very least they may uncover a lead and have been known to solve cases in the past.

[Barbara, Birmingham 8 May 2007 14:03:56]

My prayers are with u my heart is breaking i cant imagine what u both are goin thru god bless

[Carol, Cumbria 8 May 2007 14:02:11]

Just to say my heart is aching for maddies family we will keep on praying

[Kelly, Luton 8 May 2007 14:01:27]

I just wish to say my thoughts are with yr family, i pray as every minute goes by that they find yr little angel. as a mother myself i know how precious a child is.

[Ray Baker 8 May 2007 14:00:15]

We stayed in Praia de Luz last year, but at a holiday complex right next to the complex this family are staying at.

Luz is a beautiful tranquil place to stay, quite perfect for those looking for a quiet resort. I am astonished that any child could be taken from such a lovely place. There are only two roads up the hill onto the mail road. If police had been on the ball they could have cut the road off in both directions a few miles either side of Praia de Luz. The escape route would then only been passable over rugged terrain. I don't know if the police were called late, or if the police failed to react quick enough. One thing I do know is, the police would not be used to dealing with this type of situation and they are so few police in the Algarve because it is fairly crime free.

I send my love and best wished to the family and also to Maddie. I feel she is alive and hope and pray she in reunited with her family very soon.

[Jan Chatfield 8 May 2007 13:59:34]

To the McCanns. My thoughts and prayers are with u at this dreadful time.

[Zina 8 May 2007 13:58:36]

My heart goes out to the parents because I can just imagine what they going through because if any of my children were kidnapped I would be devastated but why did they go out to dinner and leave their kids alone???????????????? Hope Madeleine is found alive soon.

[Emma, Northern Ireland 8 May 2007 13:57:37]

Can't stop thinking about you. will light a candle in hope

[Pat, Liverpool 8 May 2007 13:54:30]

My heart goes out 2 the family they r in my thoughts. And i pray 4 them wish they wil find her safe and well.

[Jeanette and Anita 8 May 2007 13:53:37]

We are in constant prayer for the safe return of Maddie to her family.

[Moira, Cape Town 8 May 2007 13:52:32]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the MCcann Family - my family and I have been following events in Praia Da Luz since last Thursday - The Mccann Family are constantly in our thoughts and we hope and pray that Maddy will be re-united with her family

[Carol, Stockton-on-Tees 8 May 2007 13:51:38]

My prayers are with the parents of maddy maccan.noone knows the pain of the child.only the mother.i have faith that God will bring the little one safely.will continue to pray.

[Tinta, Zambia 8 May 2007 13:50:46]

This news is really terrible. Why arent homes being searched??? Laws need to be looked into because of such issues. I pray that whoever has the child can come to his or her senses and release her!!!

[Gayle, Tim, Hannah and Josh 8 May 2007 13:50:03]

Our thoughts are with Madeline and her family both day and night, we feel your pain and are praying for the safe return of your gorgeous daughter.

[Shirley, Glasgow 8 May 2007 13:49:20]

I have been watching the abduction of little Maddie since it happened.My thoughts are with the family.My heart goes out to them.

[Ms Cubitt 8 May 2007 13:48:42]

My heart goes out to Maddy's family at this heartbreaking time, i have a 3 year old son and i cannot think of what that poor family is going through.

Praying for Madeline's safe return.

[Lisa, Birmingham 8 May 2007 13:48:01]

I hope and pray ur little angel is returned to u safe and well....god bless u.

[Jan, Liverpool 8 May 2007 13:47:16]

I send my thoughts and best wishes to madeleine and all her family, I'm constantly watching the news in the hope of hearing of her safe return.

[Steph, Cheshire 8 May 2007 13:46:24]

My thoughts go out to maddie's family. I cant even begin to know the pain they must be feeling. They are in my prayers and i wish for her safe return.

[Jackie, Liverpool 8 May 2007 13:45:41]

I am a mother, and cant even begin to think what gerry and kate mccann are going through. I wish i could do more to help. I just want to get on a plane, get out there, and find her. My thoughts are with them.

[Karen Torley and family, Glasgow 8 May 2007 13:44:44]

Our hearts and prayers go out to the parents of wee Madeline. We pray Madeline is found safe and unharmed.

I keep watching for updates and hoping good news is coming soon. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering this little soul's parents are feeling.

I wish the Portugese police would let the UK police help out more actively.

[Patton family 8 May 2007 13:43:53]

Dear kate and gerry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you every second of the day. We feel so desperate and pray for the safe return of dear maddy.

[Louise 8 May 2007 13:43:03]

My thoughts and prayers are with you every single day. I live in Leicester so this is close to home. I pray to god that she will be returned unharmed.

[Sarah, Stafford 8 May 2007 13:41:47]

I have a little girl the same age as maddy and my thoughts and prayers are with her parents. I hope with all my heart that she is found safe and well. Plase stay strong although this must be unbearable

[Rainhardt, Pretoria 8 May 2007 13:40:20]

We also have a four year old daughter and we cannot imagine what the McCann family must be going through. Our hearts go out to all the family and friends. May you find her very quickly. We ourselves live in very trying times in South Africa and many children vanish without a trace. Let’s all stand together against this evil and look after our children. Future generations will only judge us as ‘civilised humans’ by looking back at how we cared for and protected our children and the vulnerable.

[Gio ,Italy 8 May 2007 13:20:11]

I am very sorry for what happened to little Maddie, but I do blame her parents!
How on heart can you leave three children under four years old, alone in an apartment.
In Italy, under these circumstances the parents would be prosecuted for a crime called "abbandoning a minor"

[Joanna 8 May 2007 13:05:32]

My thoughts are with you all. I too pray your beautiful daughter will be found safe and well and unharmed.

[Carolyn, mother of three 8 May 2007 13:04:49]

I'm praying for you all. God bless.

[Sacha, West Yorkshire 8 May 2007 13:04:01]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this horrific time your going through.

[Ruth Brown 8 May 2007 13:02:30]

Words cannot express the anguish we feel feel for Maddy and family

[South Wales 8 May 2007 12:54:28]

To Gerry and Kate,
We keep hoping and praying for the safe return of your little girl Maddie, we cannot do much to help you, but maybe you can find a little comfort from knowing that others do care, and our hearts go through the miles out to you. Ann Hardacre, Ian, Joanne, Carl, Daisy, Amy, Ebony,
Owen, Charlie, Marie and Tyler.
From Blackwood in Gwent. South Wales.

[Kerry and family 8 May 2007 12:53:01]

Hi im sure so many people have e mailed you with reguards little maddy and im sure everything possible is being done to find her and reunite her with her family..... Portugal is full of web cams surely there must be something one these of the night she went missing....hoping and praying she will be back with her family safe band sound very soon.

[Clare 8 May 2007 12:52:15]

Could Sky News get Cristiano Ronaldo to make an appeal on Portuguese TV to the general public and help look for Madeleine McCann to really move this situation on and get the Portuguese public behind the family in there time of need. This is not moving quick enough for this poor family, what's the world coming to.

[Belinda Needham 8 May 2007 12:50:56]

I feel the need to email you as i am very annoyed at the way the whole missing child incident is being treated by the press.
I agree that it is a very upsetting and worrying time for all concerned within Maddies family and i hope to god that the little girl is going to be found safe and well, but....
I feel that some blame must lie with the girls parents for leaving the children alone. The press state that they were checking on her every half hour. Exactly how many half an hours was this going on for?, two is one hour so it must have been a good few hours. I as a parent myself feel guilty when i leave my kids in the car (locked of course) whilst i pay for my petrol which is only a couple of minutes. The apartment window which was open was not in view of the parents and obviously this is something which they have overlooked. The fact that the hotel has a babysitting service only makes matters worse.

[Frances Whitehead 8 May 2007 12:48:36]

PLEASE PASS THIS E-MAIL ON TO THE FAMILY OF MADDIE McCANN

I feel for both of you so desperately. I have got 2 children myself and I can't for one second image what you are going through but I only hope you have the strength and courage to do so. I hope your gorgeous little daughter is returned to you very very soon and you can rebuild your life once again. Please don't feel guilty about leaving the kids behind while you went for a meal. I am sure 99% of parents at some stage have done so. me being one of them. It's just so sad we can't seem to trust anyone these days. I wish I was in Portugal so I could walk the streets looking for your little daughter but I am sure there are thousands doing just that.

With all good wishes for a happy ending.

[A Quigley, Dublin 8 May 2007 12:43:15]

There seems to be no further reporting of the £100,000 reward offered for information on Madeline since the early days of the investigation. The person or persons who have her may have been on the run over the weekend and may only have access to television now or in the next few days. Shouldn't it be repeated?

[Sarah Lou 8 May 2007 12:42:08]

My name is Sarah, and I am angry that anyone on this planet can think they can just take a child and get away with it. The children are the ones who have to deal with this planet when we older people die, It make me sad inside to hear of any child been taken from their families.

I am praying every day for Maddy to come home safe with her family.
God bless Maddy

[Elaine Glad]

We would like you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this dreadful time. We have been praying for your beautiful little Madeleine, that she will be returned to you unharmed.

We pray that you will experience the everlasting love and comfort of God at this fearful time.