The West Australian
Some of Britain’s most experienced police detectives are being approached to join a team to help find Madeleine McCann. The Find Madeleine Fund has asked for lists of suitable retired or soon-to-retire officers from forces across the country. The fund, which is now being bankrolled by Brian Kennedy, owner of Sale Sharks rugby team, has approached several police forces around the country, including Greater Manchester. Madeleine, 3, of Rothley, Leicestershire, disappeared from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May last year.
Chief Supt Steve Heywood, head of Greater Manchester Police serious crime division, is among those who have been asked to provide a list of officers. Mr Kennedy is said to have already met former Det-Supt Andy Tattersall, who retired from the force last year. Mr Tattersall co-wrote the A To Z Checklist of Murder Investigation, which is used by police forces across the country. He worked on the investigation into the murder of special branch officer Stephen Oake, who was stabbed by terrorist Kamel Bourgass during a raid in 2003, and was involved in the investigation into the murder of British television journalist Jill Dando.
A spokesman for GMP said: “We have given details of some eligible officers or former officers. As far as we are aware, no decision has been made by the fund.” Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the McCanns, said: “Kate and Gerry McCann, the fund and its backers have always sought to employ or use the very best people and resources in the search for Madeleine. “If police expertise is potentially available anywhere, the fund and Gerry and Kate would naturally consider using it.”
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