Sykes Wed May 03, 2017 7:19 am
Portuguese crime expert launches vile attack on Kate and Gerry McCann over their daughter’s disappearance.
Moita Flores says he has 'no doubt' Maddie died inside the holiday flat.
Madeleine McCann’s parents are facing fresh misery as a Portuguese crime expert spouts further outrageous claims over their daughter’s disappearance.
Kate and Gerry McCann, who are bracing themselves for the painful decade milestone since she vanished, have been at the centre of cruel criticism in recent weeks.
Maddie’s parents have always faced intense scrutiny since their daughter disappeared after leaving her alone on holiday
But the latest vile attack comes from criminal investigator Moita Flores who has lashed out against the toddler’s parents, saying: “Maddie died in that apartment, I have no doubt.”
Flores, also a writer and commentator, was once attached to the Policia Judiciaria involved in the search for Maddie.
His shocking outburst comes as police hunt for a worker from the Algarve resort they believe has clues about her disappearance.
Today McCann spokesman Clarence Mitchell told The Sun Online: “Kate and Gerry will not be fuelling any of this pure speculation with any comment whatsoever.”
His comments were reported on a Portuguese website yesterday, where Flores asked: “Why this child when there are so many others who have disappeared?
He was referring to ex-GP Kate, 49, and heart doctor Gerry, 48, whose three-year-old daughter vanished from the family’s apartment in Praia da Luz while they were dining nearby with pals dubbed the “Tapas Seven.”
His views echo those of retired Portuguese police chief Goncalo Amaral who recently won a long-running libel battle against the McCanns on appeal.
Knocking down the abduction theory Flores added: “ It would have been impossible to get through a window with a child.”
Mr Flores is now urging British police to put some of their new £85,000 Home Office cash boost towards conducting a reconstruction in the resort.
He said: “It is the only way to resolve the case.”
Ex-cop Mr Amaral, who led the initial hunt for Maddie, has previously called for her parents and their holiday friends to fly to Portugal to relive the fateful night in May 2007.
He has always stated a full reconstruction could produce a vital breakthrough in the £13 million Scotland Yard investigation.
Ten years on from their daughter Maddie’s disappearance, Kate and Gerry have said that a police reconstruction after so many years would be “pointless.”
Mr Amaral, who wrote a controversial book about the case based on publically-released police files, previously said: “Reconstructions are very helpful and I believe a full one in this case could be very productive.
"We seem to be getting towards the end of the Operation Grange inquiry, the last roll of the dice, so what is there to lose?”
A McCann source today rubbished Mr Flores' comments.
He said: “There is no proof that Madeleine died in the holiday apartment or anywhere else, and until there is any shred of evidence her parents believe their daughter could still be alive.”
Referring to Mr Flores, the source added: “This person is presenting himself as a criminal expert and is regurgitating claims made by Mr Amaral, he is repeating all the old assertions it seems for shock value.
“Kate and Gerry took legal action against Mr Amaral and they won the case, although they later lost it on appeal.
"They don’t want to be litigious, and they can’t sue everyone, but it appears that people are saying whatever they like.”
The couple, from Rothley, Leics, have been subjected to a torrent of criticism this month.
LBC radio host and Social commentator Katie Hopkins, glamour model Jodie Marsh, MP’s estranged wife Karen Danczuk have all cruelly criticised them while on Monday retired Met Police officer Sue Hill slammed on breakfast TV the extra funding they were receiving as a waste of taxpayer’s money.
While TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp has defended Kate and Gerry, saying she thinks it was "OK" to leave their kids sleeping while out at a restaurant.
And while presenting Good Morning Britain this week, Piers Morgan sparked outrage defended the extra £85,000 fund to extend the case for another six months.
The outspoken host was praised for his comments by the McCanns.
A source close to Kate and Gerry added: “People need to remember that the family’s lawyers are kept fully informed of all social media and broadcast remarks which are malicious and libellous.”
