Web appeal to help find missing toddler

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) and Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) have launched a web appeal for information on missing three-year-old, Madeline McCann.

The web appeal, which has been requested by the Portuguese police, comes after Portuguese newspapers reported that, of the many theories, a British paedophile gang snatched Madeleine.

Madeleine, of Rothley, Leicestershire, disappeared from an apartment in Praia da Luz, in the Algarve, a week ago; her parents had left her and her younger twin siblings while they went to dinner in a nearby restaurant in the holiday complex in which they were staying.

It is hoped the online appeal, which appears in English, Portuguese and Spanish, will help extend the reach of the search to as many people as possible. This includes holiday makers who may have recently returned from Portugal, or be intending to visit the country.

Anyone with any information is urged to call the Portuguese police direct on 00351 282 405 400 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two forensic behavioural analysts from the CEOP Centre have been assisting Portugese police with their inquiry to give them get an insight into how a child abductor might have acted or be thinking.

Stephen Winyard, a businessman has also offered a £1m reward for information leading to Madeleine's return .The 57-year-old owns Stobo Castle in the Scottish Borders.