British girl kidnapped

last updated 8 January 2015

Praia da Luz, Portugal

Portugal and Britain have been gripped the past two weeks by the abduction of an English girl whose parents were vacationing at a Portuguese resort. Gerry and Kate McCann left their three children—Madeleine, 3, and 2–year–old twins—asleep in the hotel while they went out to eat. When they came back, Madeleine was gone. Suspicion initially focused on a ring of pedophiles. Police now say they are investigating a Portuguese–British dual citizen who lost custody of his own young daughter. Wealthy Brits, including Virgin owner Richard Branson and author J.K. Rowling, have offered rewards totaling more than $5 million for Madeleine’s safe return.