By Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt

British police are seizing the initiative in the hunt for Madeleine, but they are having to tread carefully for diplomatic reasons. No-one here wants to suggest that the Portuguese aren't coping.

But the judicial police in Praia da Luz haven't had the breakthrough they need and it is widely accepted, if not by them, that they got off to a slow start with their investigation.

Visitors who stayed at the Ocean Club in the fortnight before Madeleine's disappearance on 3rd May have been asked to upload their holiday pictures to police in London.

They don't want snaps that show just family members, or people-free shots of  exotic shrubbery.  They want anything that may have captured a stranger in the background. Or anyone behaving oddly.

The Childbase computer will scan the photos and recognise anyone who appears a number of times. It can also compare images with known sex offenders, both British and Portuguese.

So far, 300 holiday snaps have been sent in... sounds a bit disappointing. The McCanns have appealed for more.

The website to send your pictures is www.madeleine.ceopupload.com.

If you don't know how to upload, go into your local Jessops camera store and staff will show you how.

If you have any information that might help the investigation ring 0800 0961233. Don't be shy.

I've spoken briefly to suspect Robert Murat and he is still confused and worried about the police interest in him. He must await the results of many forensic tests on his home, his vehicles, the McCann appartment and so on before knowing whether his status as an arguido - official suspect - is to change.

It could take weeks.

Comments

[Edward, Newbury 23 May 2007 18:11:57]

The Portuguese Police and GNR are doing there best, but they just dont have this kind of crime experience as this kind of crime is rare in Portugal.With this in mind I would hope that they are involving the British police, through the usual Interpol channels. Someone, somewhere knows where this girl is being kept, they may have seen something. The lack of sightings, suggests that perhaps she is being kept in a rural location, such as a farm. On Gordon Brown's promise of help, I would hope that the British Government will use Echelon, which is the electronics evesdropping system for fax and mobile phone, dont be shy HMG, just use it, the cause it good

[Stephan, Germany 23 May 2007 18:08:19]

Paul - nothing xenophobic about my comments and I would defend anyone who says the British police should be involved - we never said "take over the investigation". It´s worldwide knowledge that the UK police are regarded as the best in the world. Sure, they do have enough practise. I´m desparately worried like everyone else about this child and any other child that goes missing (let´s not forget about them). What I´m saying is if you need an expert to carry out expert work then get an expert who has plenty of experience. The thing that bothers me is the propoganda and the circus relating to this case. Why give too much info (like the eye from Maddie) and why on earth offer rewards of 2.5 million and rising? Surely anyone can see there will be a lot of sickos out there motivated by money and there are a few photoshop experts out there too so don´t be surprised if you see a few "sightings" from the photographic response request. It´s all very very sad and hopefully a good closure is just around the corner.

[One guy 23 May 2007 17:59:57]

This british never learn, they simply think are superior than the others. Now even the dogs, tehy think are better.

With such comments there is only one thing you will got. Make portuguese people fed up of all these mess and willing to get out of the case.

Could you please take car of your own country. Why did your police never informed portuguse police about the pedofiles that went to other countries?

[Sherie Northants 23 May 2007 17:48:36]

Its all spectulation, but the comment from the friend of the MCcann family worries me, that police took so long to respond to a possible sighting of Madeleine in Morrocco that the CCTV footage is no longer available. I realise the extent of the search but if that is true this is extremely concerning. Even if it turns out Robert Murat and the other two are involved they don't have Madeleine now. Find her safe and quickly thats my daily wish x

[Tree, UK 23 May 2007 17:36:59]

I haven't been able to follow it well enough to have any sort of opinion but I, like everyone else on this site, really hope she is found and well. Andrea... with regards to your comments made about John's comments.... I see why you are so upset, I didn't realise it at first myself, but I hope you know now that he was being sarcastic. His comments on being proud to be British, "we are so good, our dogs are better" etc - were all with sarcasm and he was in fact ridiculing all who think that. I say, Good luck to all the police involved, wherever they are from!!!!!! The more , the better.

[Gina, Greece 23 May 2007 17:33:48]

I understand the irritation of Portuguese people posting here who think that Brits are being arrogant in wanting our own forces involved in this and that this in some way represents an arrogant slur on the Portuguese police made from a sense of superiority. I am a Brit living as an expat teacher in a foreign country and I know that people guilty of that kind of attitude do exist and behave very badly. However, I also know that just as Brits may have stereotypes about other nations there are many about us, such as that we are fussmakers who expect everyone else to jump to our command. Just like here, policemen are not always the most subtle and unprejudiced people, usually basic guys who see things in black and white and it is not uncommon for foreigners like the British to be met with indifference and resentment when they call on local services. In other word this kind of mundane thoughtless racism goes 2 ways. I feel like many that if the search had got off to a better start this little girl might have been saved. I respect the refusal of the Portuguese police to give information that might aid an escaping criminal but the way the investigation started, and in some ways been seen to have progressed, has given people pretty good reason to believe that the search for Madeleine could do with some help. What we need is a pooling of resources in Europe and beyond for cases like this that swings into action immediately just as they would in the case of a natural disaster. There must be no safe place or safe period for someone who takes a child. I hope and pray it is not too late. No way should pride prevent the Portuguese police from accepting the dogs, there is every chance they could help.

[Teresa UK 23 May 2007 17:31:59]

Thanks Skynews for continuing to focus on Madeleine. This child must be found. Can't help thinking that this will only be solved with the help of the British Police. It is not about being superior, but if we have the expetise then why not use it? This is a time to get defensive. Madeleine and her family are British after all and deserve all the help that might be available.

[Felicity, UK 23 May 2007 17:28:28]

It's no good all you portuguese getting all defensive of your country's policing methods. Check the poll that says 80% of us believe they are doing well. I wasn't one of them, but I can tell you why; the general laid back attitude that your countrymen have seems to have filtered through to the police. They were slow off the mark, forensics still haven't come back, and we still have Robert Murat as a suspect, well over a week now with no arrest or pardon either way.
I would like to know if you would all be so laid back in attitude if a portuguese child had been abducted in the UK. I'm sure you'd want your own force involved which we would understand, and probably pick the UK force to shreds whilst at it if there was still no news or developments after three weeks.

[Mónica Faria 23 May 2007 17:27:38]

I think that our police is doing a wonderful job, as always! We are in Portugal, not in England... The british police should worry with the unsolve abductions that took place in their own contry. If they are so good , how do they have so many unsolve cases? Please let our police work.

PS - Sorry about my english, but I'm sure that it's a lot better than your portuguese!

[tracey newcastle 23 May 2007 17:23:25]

i have a daughter a little older than Madeleine , every time i look at her i feel tears and saddness for madeleine as i watch her play and do kids things. Her life would be turned upside down to be parted from us her family.Madeleine needs her family and home, please keep the search alive untill she is found safe and well, The people who have her could leave her at a church and walk away, she would not be able to identify them being so young, i watch all the news just for something on Madeleine nothing comes close in our hearts but to have her home . please be to god xxxxxxxxxx

[djt,hampshire uk 23 May 2007 17:22:09]

One comment, Would'nt the one item (Cuddlecat)that the sniffer dogs would have had the strongest scent of Madeleine now be totally useless as diluted with Mrs Mcanns scent.

[Nina . Northwales 23 May 2007 17:08:55]

Has anyone wondered if anyone in the restraunt where the parents were eating were in volved !! some one very close i would say is responisble .Was it just by chance the person knew that these children were on their own ? Was any one watching and timing the mother's half hour checks on children ?Had the parents mentioned to anyone that the children would be on their own that evening ?! GET THE BRITISH IN AND BRING MADDIE HOME

[Anne , Cork Ireland. 23 May 2007 17:07:42]

I was wondering if photos of Madeleine with different hair colour should be put on the net. Whoever has abducted her may have changed her hair colour, hairstyle, may even have dressed her up as a boy so as to not draw attention to themselves. It is an awful situation, and my thoughts and prayers are with the McCann family and little Madeleine. Hopefully she will be returned to her parents, brother and sister very soon.

[Iain - Scotland 23 May 2007 17:04:30]

Is there actually any evidence that she was abducted?

From what I gather, there was no forced entry and that the parents hadn't actually been checking every 30 mins as they initially said they were.

I have read in a few places that there was some building works nearby and that large holes didn't get filled in till a couple of days after she went missing. Could it not be that she has perhaps waken up and left the room and fell down one of these.

I would also like to say to the people that are saying that if Murat is innocent then he has nothing to be scared off, then you need to get a reality check. In this day and age a persons character and reputation can be easily destroyed by finger pointing in the media. Mud sticks - suspect should not be named by anyone but the police.

Remember back to the Ipswich murders recently, a picture was published in the Daily Mail of the man they suspected was the killer - turns out the paper had taken the picture and picked the worng person and cropped it to show only him. The man received £10,000 damages and was found dead after an alcoholic binge.

Full story is below.
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article2258893.ece

Irresponsible journalism can have a huge effect on people lives.

[lesley mchale - luton 23 May 2007 17:00:17]

GORDON BROWN ??? HE SAID HE WOULD HELP - WHATS HE DOING THEN ? GOOD START (NOT) ! TO ALL THE PEOPLE WITH COMMENTS SUCH AS, THE PARENTS LEFT HER OR TO MUCH MEDIA COVERAGE, I THINK ALL OF YOU ARE HEARTLESS AND HAVE UNHEALTHY MINDS. YOU ALL NEED TO TAKE A STEP BACK AND THINK OF MADELIENE. WHERE SHE IS, IS SHE BEING LOOKED AFTER, WHEN WILL SHE BE RETURNED SAFE AND SOUND. NOT THESE STUPID COMMENTS THAT JUST WASTE SPACE FOR DECENT COMMENTS AND IDEAS. FRANKLY THATS WHAT I THINK OF ALL OF YOU - A WASTE OF SPACE.
MARTIN AND TEAM YOU ARE BRILL WITH THE COVERAGE PLEASE PLEASE KEEP IT UP.AND JUST ANOTHER SUGESTION, HOW ABOUT PUTTING HER PICTURE AND DETAILS ON MILK CARTONS AND BREAD ETC.
THINKING OF YOU EVERY MINUTE MADELINE FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN XXXXXX
FROM A CARING MUM.

[Paul, London 23 May 2007 16:58:35]

ME - whatever happened with your son Im glad he is fit and well but I ask again for anyone to show any evidence that a psychic identified the location of a missing person.

I wonder what those commenting here think a psychic will go to benefit the search? I vote for the waste Police time diverting energy away from any proper investigation.

Also I did not refer to psychics as nutjobs (though they are misguided at best) or God-botherers. The nut jobs on here are those that believe their dreams are of use to Crimestoppers. The God Botherers are those who think that God will send his Guardian angel to reveal her whereabouts.

[Vicky 23 May 2007 16:45:32]

I agree with Ana from Portugal, we dont know what the Portugese police are doing, and I have to say at first I was very sceptical about that, I kept thinking they are not doing anything, but over time I got to listen and learn, that infact by not saying can be a good thing I agree that it prevents the person or persons who have commited the crime from knowing the police's next move and this makes a huge difference. But you also mention pulling together and working together so why cant the Portugese police use some of the British police to help them carry out there work, surely there is some kind of act they can swear on to prevent them from letting people know any leads they have, but in the long run the more help, the further and quicker they can move on in the investigation. I do believe innocent until proven otherwise, yes but I also believe many hands make light work. I pray for Madeleine everyday, I hope she is safe and being cared for whoever has her, I pray they bring her home safe, Our Police in all countries do not get the praise they deserve, they dont realise especially in cases like this that they are the heroes.

[Paul 23 May 2007 16:45:18]

Some of the comments left on here are insane. This is very reminiscent of the madness that came over the country at Princess Diana's death. With xenophobia again playing a major part.

The xenophobia and general arrogance of the media commentary trying to force the British police to take over the case is very distasteful and unhelpful to the investigation.

The public who are getting hyped up and distressed by the constant media coverage need to leave it alone and let the police and the people involved try to resolve it.

[Lisa,UK 23 May 2007 16:41:55]

Sky News Is Doing A Great Job - Keep Up The Good work!

For the people who keep saying this story should now be done with - i'm sure you WOULDN'T be saying the same thing if it were your child.

This world has some sick people in it.

[ASA MOLLOY DUBLIN IRELAND 23 May 2007 16:37:38]

I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT IN THIS TIME OF SORROW FOR THE MC CANN FAMILY MY THOUGHTS AR WITH U AND MY PRAYERS EVERY DAY TILL MADDIE RETURNS SAFE AND WELL.I HAVE A LITTLE BOY THE SAME AGE AND I WOULD GO CRAZY IF ANYTHG HAPPENED TO HIM. ILL PRAY FOR U EVERYDAY

[Mother of Two, Massachusetts, USA 23 May 2007 16:35:09]

I am continuously following Madeleine's story. I pray that Madeleine will be returned safely to her parents. I am Portuguese, living in the USA. Here we have amber alerts that are placed throughout the highways in many states. Why hasn't the European Union implemented this? There should be at the very least amber alerts in shipyards, airports and borders. This would alert the public about the abduction of a child right away.

I am very saddened by the Portuguese Police. I understand their laws, but do not agree with them. When Madeleine first was found missing, the public should have been alerted. I do believe she would have been found sooner. Madeleine’s parents are very patient with the Portuguese Police. I don’t think I would have been able to be as patient. It is now 20 days and Madeleine is nowhere to be found. The Portuguese Police needs to let go of their pride and work closer with the English Police. This is a bad reflection on Portugal. The whole world is watching. It would be wise that they get as much help as they can. If I were the Portuguese Police I would welcome any help from private investigators and the English police to find Madeliene quickly. It does not matter who’s fault it is, Portugal needs to rectify this and quickly. The only way to rectify this is by finding Madeleine.

As a tourist and Portuguese-born, I would be weary of going to Portugal. Portugal can say whatever they want, such as it is a safe country. However, Sex offenders are not registered. That is unacceptable. Sex offenders should be registered throughout the world. We need to protect the children and we are not doing a great job of this. This should be a worldwide effort. Many sex offenders are sex offenders because they themselves have been molested. People are not born this way, society makes them this way. The world needs to break the cycle. We all need to work together to make sure the children of tomorrow are protected.

I pray everyday for Madeleine. The Hail Mary will bring her back safely to her parents.

Sincerely,
Mother of Two

[Becky, Wakefield 23 May 2007 16:22:33]

Where is this little girl?? Based only upon speculation I think the portugese police need all the help they can get.Refusing our best sniffer dogs?surely anything is a benefit.The sighting in morrocco is key, from a kidnappers point of view this is an ideal place to hide.Brittish police have more money, facilites, experience and SPEED!this should be a joint investigation. Why have there been no appeals to the public?after all it is the public and the media who will be the vital key to finding Madeleine. It is quite obvious Madeleine will not be looking like herself posters of her as maybe a little boy should be circulated more, maybe with short hair wearing boys clothes. The money donations are a fantastic idea and i think the yellow ribbons would be a good way to generate more. National stores should be selling these, every penny counts.
Well done to sky for continuing their coverage and please do not let this become 'old news'. With everybodys support this little girl CAN be found!

We all hope and pray for a happy ending!!

[Linda, Ireland 23 May 2007 16:17:04]

Sky news well done on all the coverage of little Madeleine you have done, I HOPE you continue to keep it going.
Kate, Gerry, Sean , Amelie and most of all Madeleine I pray for you all every night and will continue until Madeleine is found safe and well.
As the mother of 2 young girls aged 2 and 3, I can possibly begin to imagine the pain this family is going through. We are all wearing our yellow ribbons of hope for Madeleine.
Take care Madeleine wherever you are. XXXX

[Brenda Kelly(Perth Western australia) 23 May 2007 16:13:01]

I think that the two witnesses that they are interviewing again will also become suspects.
Remember someone said that they saw Madeleine with 3 people in a service station and it was two men and one woman.i think that you will find that it has been these two and Robert murat.
Someone said that they thought the lady was German.
i think that they have taken this little girl and i do not think that she is dead but i dread to think what she is going through.
I really hope there is not a sexual motive for this as i cannot bear to think what they have done to this baby because that is what she is.
I have two little girls and the thought of someone taking them away and hurting them fills me full of dread.
I really hope that she is found safe and that they have taken her to give her to another family as the alternative is too upsetting to think about.

god Bless her family
My heart goes out too you

[Ana, Portugal 23 May 2007 16:06:40]

If portuguese police aren´t revealing what is going on with the investigation, how the hell do you all know they aren´t doing anything?

You probably don´t know, but last week an 11 year old girl that was abducted in the south of Spain, was recovered by portuguese police, just a few hours after her abduction.

Put aside your superiority and lets all work together to help bring this little angel back to her family.