Police are set to provide security for Kate and Gerry McCann during a prayer vigil marking 18 years since their daughter, Madeleine, disappeared. The event, scheduled for Saturday at 7 pm, will take place at the village war memorial in Rothley, Leicestershire. This makes it the first time since 2017 that police will be present at the annual gathering, which has drawn significant community support following Madeleine’s disappearance on May 3, 2007, from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
Local vicar Reverend Simon Payne confirmed the attendance of police at the vigil, stating, "Eighteen years is quite a milestone. People still want to come and remember Madeleine and pray for her family. I hope it will be a peaceful occasion with no disturbance." The couple, now aged 57 and 56, are expected to attend the vigil despite concerns stemming from recent stalking incidents involving two women, including Julia Wandel, 23, who allegedly claimed to be Madeleine and previously approached the McCann family home uninvited.
The Daily Mail previously reported that Wandel, along with her alleged accomplice Karen Spragg, 60, is set to face trial later in the year after being charged with multiple counts of stalking the McCann family. Wandel is facing charges related to her alleged conduct over several months, which reportedly included sending letters, voicemails, and social media messages. Both women pleaded not guilty during a court hearing on April 22.
The court was informed that their actions had a “substantial adverse effect” on the family's daily activities and caused significant distress. Spragg has been released on bail with restrictions preventing her from contacting the McCanns or entering Leicestershire, while Wandel remains in custody until her next court appearance in August.
The high-profile nature of Madeleine McCann's case has not waned over the years. Much attention has remained focused on the investigation, particularly on Christian Brueckner, a convicted paedophile considered a prime suspect. He is nearing the end of a seven-year prison sentence for unrelated crimes committed in the same region. German investigators have linked him to Müller through discoveries made during their investigations, including children's clothing and photographs of young girls resembling Madeleine.
The McCanns have consistently attended vigils held in Rothley, where community support remains strong. Since the initial gathering in 2007, various vigils have been hosted, often featuring prayers and acts of remembrance. Kate and Gerry have publicly stated, "We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace."
The upcoming event aims to unify the community in remembrance while addressing the safety concerns stemming from the recent stalking incidents. The Leicestershire village continues to stand by the McCann family in their enduring quest for answers regarding Madeleine's fate.
Source: Noah Wire Services