Investigators: Madeleine McCann is still alive

An image of what Madeleine McCann may look like at age 9 was released by police. Image: Teri Blythe/Metropolitan Police

Almost exactly five years after the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, investigators say that they believe the girl is still alive.

McCann, then 3, vanished in 2007 from a Portugal hotel room where she was vacationing with her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann. Speculation that the McCanns were involved in their daughter’s kidnapping swirled after it was confirmed that blood from the girl was found in their car. They were later cleared of suspicion.

While there have been reported sightings of Madeleine since, they have been unconfirmed and have not lead to any leads as to her whereabouts.

But now, according to ABC News, British investigators are “seeking to bring closure to the case” and that recent evidence points to the possibility that Madeleine is still alive.

Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood said detectives are working with “colleagues in Portugal” and that the current “set of circumstances will give us the best opportunity” to find Madeleine.

If alive, Madeleine will turn 9 on May 12.

Gerry McCann told the BBC the latest news about his daughter and the fact that police were still on the case was a “huge step” for his family.

Police also released a digitally created “age progression” photograph showing what the girl may look like today.

According to the New York Times, detectives have been re-reviewing 100,000 pages of documents related to the investigation, which has cost taxpayers $3.2 million.

Redwood confirmed that the Madeleine’s parents were still not considered suspects, and that her disappearance was “the result of a criminal act by a stranger.”

Police are asking anyone seeing a girl resembling Madeleine to contact their local police force, as well as Metropolitan Police at +44(0)202 158 0126, or at operation.grange@met.pnn.police.uk.