McCanns' 'distress' at fraud bid

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The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have described their distress at a fraudulent attempt to demand £1.35m for information on the child's whereabouts.

Gerry McCann praised the police investigation of an "outrageous crime" that caused "considerable distress".

A 39-year-old man has been arrested in The Netherlands, accused of sending e-mails demanding 2m euros (£1.35m).

Four-year-old Madeleine disappeared from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on the evening of 3 May.

"This extortion attempt has caused Kate and I considerable distress," said Mr McCann.

He added: "It is very encouraging to know that information anywhere in Europe will be rigorously followed up by the police."

Prosecutors said that the man, detained in Eindhoven, had confessed to making up the story about having information on Madeleine's whereabouts.

Prosecution spokesman Wim de Bruin said the man would be charged with attempted fraud, and could face a maximum sentence of four years if convicted.

Dutch police became involved at the request of the British and Portuguese authorities.

Spain arrests

In Spain, an Italian man and Portuguese woman are accused of trying to extort money from the McCanns for bogus information.

Neither they nor the man held in the Netherlands are being linked with the abduction of Madeleine.

The McCanns are expected to stay in Portugal for the summerGerry and Kate McCann, of Rothley, Leicestershire, have continued to be based in Portugal since their daughter's disappearance.

They have travelled throughout Europe while spearheading an international awareness campaign.

"We remain convinced that Madeleine is alive," Mr McCann said on Friday.

"We would ask anyone with any information about her whereabouts to contact the police."