Mason Jones (Reporter)
A FORMER British detective has praised an Olive Press exclusive on a possible spotting of Madeleine McCann on a flight from Ibiza, which was followed up in over a dozen countries.
Former Met officer Ian Horrocks praised the quick thinking of reader Frank Bode, whose claims were followed up by numerous national newspapers, including Bild in Germany, the Mirror in the UK and Diario de Noticias in Portugal.
German businessman Bode was so convinced he had spotted the youngster with a German family on the flight from Ibiza to Munich a fortnight ago that he contacted police, the family and the Olive Press, after taking a photo.
Bode claimed that the girl was British and did not seem to ‘fit with the family’.
Both Maddie’s family in the UK and detective Horrocks, a former kidnap and ransom squad officer, praised his actions. Scotland Yard is still investigating the claims.
Horrocks believes that the longer Madeleine has been missing, the more likely it is that people will spot her.
He said: “It has previously been said, ‘Who is going to openly walk out with the world’s most wanted child?”
“This was clearly relevant in the days, weeks and months following her abduction but, as time has gone by, whoever took Madeleine is likely to be more confident about taking her out in public,” he added.
The sighting ties in with claims of psychic healer Carol Everett, who has worked on finding both missing people and criminals on the run.
The Murcia-based psychic claimed in 2007 that she could ‘see’ Madeleine with a German-speaking couple.
Speaking to The Olive Press this week, she reiterated her claims: “My prediction has been there from day one, I haven’t changed my claims.
“I’m not a detective, I just put my points in the pot and very often come up with the missing links.”
She continued: “I can’t say that it’s her, but it certainly fits. A German family with two other children.”
Madeleine’s mother, Kate McCann has previously claimed that no matter how many years go by she would never fail to recognise her eldest daughter.
“I know I would, I just know that if she came in here now I would know it was her.”
I am positive Kate will know her daughter when she sees her. That is the bond between mother and daughter…intangible but real.
May I take this opportunity of wishing Kate and Gerry McCann much success with their 2 court cases… v Bennett and v Amaral. Both men need to be steadfastly put in their place for once and for all.
You have many supporters out here Kate and Gerry so keep strong and steadfast and resolute.
Madeleine is alive and findable.
Good Luck to Kate and Gerry Mccann with everything. The people who attempted to make money out of their tragedy should be sued. I hope that the Mccanns win both cases. I can’t imagine how horrible this whole thing must have been for them.
Hi i cannot believe some of the vile things i read by the public, towards the McCanns. I personally am truly grateful that they haven’t given up, as i was abused as a child and anyone who continues to track these despicable people, has my blessing. I will pray everyday that they find out what happened to Madeleine and find the perpetrators of this despicable crime. To all the people who think everyone should give up now, i have this to say. I would carry on for life looking for my dog if it was stolen, let alone the abduction of my child.
I’ve said it before, if he was so sure it was Madeleine He and others like him, should inform the authorities then and there, He did say in your previous report that he is always so sure in these cases!!!!
But she wasn’t abducted!
Peter, if you ae so sure that she wasn’t abducted perhaps you can let us all know where she is?
I see the print edition still contains your original libel against Dr Amaral. Just to make it clear for all your readers, and to try to help you out of this difficulty, Dr Amaral NEVER claimed that the McCanns KILLED Madeleine. Nor did Mr. Bennett.
Nor so far as I know has any other sane person ever claimed this.
His opinion, and that of his entire investigative team, and of the man who took over the investigation, and of the Portuguese Attourney General, and of the highly skilled dog handler, and of the Leicestershire Police as articulated by their Assistant Chief Constable, is slightly different.
to maddie mum
she is somewhere and she is alive and she might be far but i know she is alive think deep and u will find her but when u find her she be talking different and she will not be the girl u brought up but u will find her cuse i know how it is the person who took her will not kill her (hopefully) if u give it time she will be back but rember she wil not be the same child u broutht up it be a teenager that will not under stand u
Why don’t they keep the findings quiet?, if someone or a family has her and reads the news, they’re obviously going to hide again!