British police say they have suspects in Madeleine McCann case

LONDON, July 4 (UPI) -- British investigators reviewing evidence in Madeleine McCann's disappearance in Portugal have identified 38 potential suspects, police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood of London's Metropolitan Police suggested Madeleine might still be alive, six years after she vanished from her parents' apartment at a Portuguese beach resort, The Sun reported. Madeleine was 3 when she disappeared.

Redwood said a team reviewed the findings of Portuguese police and of private detectives and conducted new witness interviews.

"That has given us the ability to see this case with fresh eyes, and through that bring out new, genuinely new, lines of inquiry. And I'm hopeful when we pursue those lines of inquiry that we will be able to bring some sort of resolution," he said. "Whether we will be able to solve it is a different issue, but I hope that we will be able to have the ability to move the investigation on."

Kate and Gerry McCann were eating dinner with friends at a restaurant within sight of the apartment when Madeleine vanished. They had left their children sleeping.

Portuguese police have closed their investigation but Redwood said the London review found 38 persons of interest, including 12 British nationals, and said Metropolitan Police have requested help from Portugal.

"I believe critically that this is an important moment for Madeleine," Redwood said. "It is the culmination of that unique piece of work and it is a great opportunity which we intend to exploit to the full."