NI prayers for missing Madeleine

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A Downpatrick grandfather is organising a prayer vigil for missing Madeleine McCann in the Co Down town.

Francis Morgan, a builder turned foster carer, wants as many people as possible to turn out for for the event at 1900 BST on Wednesday.

And the 65-year-old hopes that other towns and cities across the island of Ireland will follow suit.

"What has happened to the McCanns is an attack on every family," said Mr Morgan.

"I think people need to stand up and let whoever is behind this know that they cannot hide."

Rewards of £2.5m, with contributions from Sir Richard Branson, Wayne Rooney and JK Rowling, have been offered for Madeleine's safe return.

The four-year-old, from Rothley, Leicestershire, disappeared from an apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz on 3 May

The McCanns believe their daughter is being cared for

Mr Morgan said he was prompted to organise the prayer vigil by "simple human feelings" as he watched some of his 10 grandchildren play .

"You cannot inflict a bigger hurt on parents than this and I just want to let Madeleine's parents know that they are in the thoughts of, and have the supoprt of people, in this part of the world," he said.

The Downpatrick prayer vigil, which will last for 15 minutes, will take place at Millennium Square.

Madeleine's parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, have said they will not return home until they have found their daughter.

They have also said that they believe that Madeleine is being cared for wherever she is.