Amelie McCann, the 18-year-old sister of missing Madeleine McCann, joined her parents Kate and Gerry at a candlelit vigil in Rothley, Leicestershire, on the 16th anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance. The teenager, who was pictured publicly for the first time since toddlerhood, lit a candle in memory of her sister and said: "It's nice that everyone is here together but it's a sad occasion."
The informal prayer gathering at the village war memorial drew around 70 supporters, including Fiona Payne, one of the "Tapas Seven" friends who were with the McCanns on holiday in Portugal when three-year-old Madeleine vanished in May 2007. Amelie's twin brother Sean did not attend. The Rev. Rob Gladstone led prayers, urging supporters to "keep up hope and pray for a renewal of strength."
Kate and Gerry McCann, both 45, did not address the crowd but joined in prayers. Kate's uncle, Brian Kennedy, 84, expressed gratitude for the turnout, saying: "After all these years people still assemble... Even if it was bad news, in some ways, would give us some closure. But with no closure there is still hope."
German police believe Madeleine is dead and have identified convicted paedophile Christian Brueckner, 45, as the prime suspect, but legal technicalities may prevent a trial. British police have requested additional funding from the Home Office to continue Operation Grange, which has cost £13 million so far. Madeleine would now be 19 years old.
