MADELEINE McCANN UPDATE 37

MCCANNS 'WRECKED EVIDENCE'
Martin Fricker In Praia Da Luz, Portugal 18/06/2007

BUNGLING Portuguese police yesterday accused Madeleine McCann's parents of destroying vital evidence.

They said Kate and Gerry contaminated the crime scene as they frantically searched their Algarve apartment when Madeleine, four, vanished.

Police chief Olegario Sousa said more than 20 people went in before detectives arrived. Sousa said: "At the very worst they would have destroyed all the evidence. This could prove to be fatal for the investigation."

The McCanns were said to be "dismayed". A source said: "It's insensitive at the very least. Of course the family are going to search the apartment."

Police are seen as trying to deflect attention away from their bungling.

A month on they have not picked up CCTV tapes of a possible sighting of Madeleine in Morocco.

The family will release 50 balloons in 50 places on Friday to mark 50 days since she vanished.
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