By Mirror.co.uk 8/05/2007

A PORTUGUESE police chief tonight spelled out details of the investigation into the disappearance of kidnapped Maddy McCann.

He revealed that officers have searched fields and rivers within 15 kilometres of Praia da Luz where the three-year-old went missing.

They have questioned more than 100 people in connection with the disappearance and followed up more than 350 leads. Sadly, none of them have so far produced anything which might lead to Maddy being returned to her parents Kate and Gerry.

A reported sighting of Maddy earlier today in the northern town of Nelas, reported by Portuguese TV and Sky News, turned out to be a false alarm.

Chief Inspector Olegario Sousa said tonight that more than 500 apartments had been searched during the investigation – but added that details the police were able to release under Portuguese law were limited.

Earlier today Maddy’s parents prayed at the local church and appealed to the kidnapper to release their daughter unharmed.

Manchester United’s Portuguese superstar Cristiana Ronaldo also made a personal plea for the safe return of the little girl from Rothley, Leicestershire.

In English and Portuguese Ronaldo said: “I was very upset to hear of the abduction of Madeleine McCann and I appeal to anyone with information to come forward, please come forward.”