*** Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 *** (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

by pendragon2007 26.04.16 10:11

Just heard on 10am BBC Radio 4 news. Police to close Madeleine McCann case soon. They have one current lead to follow but if no more evidence crops up they will close the investigation.

by Guest 26.04.16 10:13

pendragon2007 wrote:Just heard on 10am BBC Radio 4 news. Police to close Madeleine McCann case soon. They have one current lead to follow but if no more evidence crops up they will close the investigation.

Maybe it's the first lead that any normal investigation should have pursued?

I doubt it though.

What a disgrace this has all been (and still is).

by mouse 26.04.16 10:21

A good day for burying news on a very busy news day......

Thought this might happen - after the public's reaction going by comments on the web/newspaper sites afters the GA's Victory. Perhaps the government think this is the best time to quietly close it - but I think the public deserve to know what their money has actually been spent on. What actual manhours/police work has been done and to what conclusion. And what happened with all these leads they had?

I think the public are entitled to know.

by whatsupdoc 26.04.16 10:26

mouse wrote:A good day for burying news on a very busy news day......

Thought this might happen - after the public's reaction going by comments on the web/newspaper sites afters the GA's Victory. Perhaps the government think this is the best time to quietly close it - but I think the public deserve to know what their money has actually been spent on. What actual manhours/police work has been done and to what conclusion. And what happened with all these leads they had?

I think the public are entitled to know.

Tony Bennett is to hand in his Petition at 10 Downing Street on Friday, 29/4/16.

by Guest 26.04.16 10:26

I think we all expected this. It was a farce from day one and imo linked to the court case against Goncalo Amaral. It will never go away though. Not now that Pandora's box is well and truly opened.

by Bishop Brennan 26.04.16 10:27

Complete surrender then. It had always been the plan to wait until after the appeal - of course hoping that Amaral would be defeated along with his book and his theory. But now it's all gone wrong. Amaral is vindicated; the book is about to be published in English; 4 years x 29 of the MET's top officers found ZERO evidence of abduction.

The whole thing has been a disastrous blunder from start to finish. They couldn't even whitewash it properly - having completely underestimated the power of internet and the level of support that Amaral had. SY's every statement was analysed, discredited and exposed. Crimewatch became a laughing stock. And instead of exonerating the McCanns, the UK public is now more convinced than ever that they were involved.

So there it is - £12m of our cash spent. For nothing. And now we have the spectacle of the MET limping off stage, red-faced and in large part humiliated in the eyes of the watching world.

by **Nina** 26.04.16 10:28

pendragon2007 wrote:Just heard on 10am BBC Radio 4 news. Police to close Madeleine McCann case soon. They have one current lead to follow but if no more evidence crops up they will close the investigation.

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by mouse 26.04.16 10:34

Bishop Brennan - "So there it is - £12m of our cash spent. For nothing. And now we have the spectacle of the MET limping off stage, red-faced and in large part humiliated in the eyes of the watching world".

Though, Silver linings n'all that - some of them might have improved their golf handicap.

Sorry couldn't resist!

by Rogue-a-Tory 26.04.16 10:37

As shown in the recently announced successful appeal, Dr Amaral's book highlights the only lead within the original investigation that hasn't been examined. Those three monkeys - Sir Bernard, Sir Hogan & Sir Howe - need to wise up.

by Bishop Brennan 26.04.16 10:39

As the BBC article says:

"There is a line of inquiry that remains to be concluded and it's expected that in the coming months that will happen." He said that line of inquiry was agreed to be "worthwhile pursuing" but once that had concluded, the probe, called Operation Grange, would likely end.

Doesn't sound exactly like a 'hot lead' does it. More like going through the motions as they all slink off back to London.

The article does highlight just how extensive was the wild goose chase however. Further evidence for the feeling that "it must have been the parents after all" - a conclusion that the UK public appears to have largely accepted.

by woodbine 26.04.16 10:40

Not a good day for the uk police force as they are also just about to be held accountable for the Hillsborough disaster, another cover-up that has gone on for years.

by Rogue-a-Tory 26.04.16 10:47

Bishop Brennan wrote:As the BBC article says:

"There is a line of inquiry that remains to be concluded and it's expected that in the coming months that will happen." He said that line of inquiry was agreed to be "worthwhile pursuing" but once that had concluded, the probe, called Operation Grange, would likely end.

Doesn't sound exactly like a 'hot lead' does it. More like going through the motions as they all slink off back to London.

The article does highlight just how extensive was the wild goose chase however. Further evidence for the feeling that "it must have been the parents after all" - a conclusion that the UK public appears to have largely accepted.

Maybe they're going to follow Gerry's original advice and ask the dogs

Inspector Rover of the Yard: Woof, woof woofity mcwoof-face

Eddie: Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, WOOOFFFFF!!!!!!

Keela; Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, WOOOOOOFFFFFFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sir Bernard H-H: Well there we have it. Woof justice for Madeleine Beth McCann.

The Parents: We'd like to thank the Met Police Force and Sir Bernard for everything. THE END

by Claire25 26.04.16 10:49

So they must conclude as the PJ left it then surely?

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Picture from Hideho

by woodbine 26.04.16 10:50

Maybe now the McCanns can finally launch their own super-duper investigation. Or has that ship sailed now they have to pay court costs?

by **Nina** 26.04.16 11:16

woodbine wrote:Maybe now the McCanns can finally launch their own super-duper investigation. Or has that ship sailed now they have to pay court costs?

Well yes it has.However with some boosting for the search fund there might be folk still willing to contribute, not me though.

by Google.Gaspar.Statements 26.04.16 11:21

Nina wrote:
woodbine wrote:Maybe now the McCanns can finally launch their own super-duper investigation. Or has that ship sailed now they have to pay court costs?
Well yes it has.However with some boosting for the search fund there might be folk still willing to contribute, not me though.

They've got two millionaires on board who have supported them through the years - Kennedy and Smethurst. Maybe they could fund their own investigation without asking pensioners and schoolchildren, including their own fundraising twins, to do it for them.

by Liz Eagles 26.04.16 11:37

woodbine wrote:Maybe now the McCanns can finally launch their own super-duper investigation. Or has that ship sailed now they have to pay court costs?

Maybe now the Met could possibly admit they were bullied by higher authorities, chose to get into bed with the UK media with their Crime Watch (two productions), get into helicopters for a photoshoot, take GPR equipment to Portugal for yet another photoshoot, take the head of the CPS to Portugal...for another photoshoot...

This BHH chappy is speaking in soundbites...but that's what he does. He only has a twelve month extension on his service so I believe. That'll be enough for him to say 'this terrible case' and to be put out to pasture, to graze with those who have four separate stomachs like a ruminant.

by woodbine 26.04.16 11:41

I'd imagine to save face they would have to launch their own investigation. Without actually investigating anything of course, so it wouldn't really cost anything. Just release a sound bite now and again about some non-specific unscrupulous character who once thought about abducting someone.

by **Jill Havern** 26.04.16 11:48

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by **Tony Bennett** 26.04.16 11:49

whatsupdoc wrote:
mouse wrote:A good day for burying news on a very busy news day......

Thought this might happen - after the public's reaction going by comments on the web/newspaper sites afters the GA's Victory. Perhaps the government think this is the best time to quietly close it - but I think the public deserve to know what their money has actually been spent on. What actual manhours/police work has been done and to what conclusion. And what happened with all these leads they had?

I think the public are entitled to know.
Tony Bennett is to hand in his Petition at 10 Downing Street on Friday, 29/4/16.

Yes, God willing.

Plus a letter setting out multiple concerns with the conduct of Operation Grange, the government and the security services - from start to finish.

On Monday last week, when it suited them, it was 'reasonable lines of enquiry that...Madeleine is still alive'. There was £95,000 to continue the investigation. So what's changed since then?

by Roxyroo 26.04.16 11:53

Words fail me! sad1

by Bishop Brennan 26.04.16 12:00

woodbine wrote:I'd imagine to save face they would have to launch their own investigation. Without actually investigating anything of course, so it wouldn't really cost anything. Just release a sound bite now and again about some non-specific unscrupulous character who once thought about abducting someone.

That sounds very plausible. Likely too that the MET will conclude their case in a few months and I'd like to predict some or all of the following in their closing statement:

Despite their best efforts and thousands of leads followed, the trail had gone too cold.

That it was likely she was abducted but that they could not find enough evidence to prosecute.

Sorry to the poor parents and always open to new info.

Pressure may be brought to include words that exonerate the McCanns, but in the end it's been a giant waste of money and ultimately a failed whitewash, regardless of their concluding statement. Amaral finishes victorious, the book is published, and the public come to their own conclusion about why SY were unable to find any trace of abduction.

by MRNOODLES 26.04.16 12:00

Tony Bennett wrote:
whatsupdoc wrote:
mouse wrote:A good day for burying news on a very busy news day......

Thought this might happen - after the public's reaction going by comments on the web/newspaper sites afters the GA's Victory. Perhaps the government think this is the best time to quietly close it - but I think the public deserve to know what their money has actually been spent on. What actual manhours/police work has been done and to what conclusion. And what happened with all these leads they had?

I think the public are entitled to know.
Tony Bennett is to hand in his Petition at 10 Downing Street on Friday, 29/4/16.
Yes, God willing.

Plus a letter setting out multiple concerns with the conduct of Operation Grange, the government and the security services - from start to finish.

On Monday last week, when it suited them, it was 'reasonable lines of enquiry that...Madeleine is still alive'. There was £95,000 to continue the investigation. So what's changed since then?

Best of luck TB. Tread carefully thumbsup

by Bishop Brennan 26.04.16 12:05

The Sun, writing about the close-down, leading the readers to the conclusion they have already formed?

"The blow for Gerry and Kate McCann comes a week after they lost a libel lawsuit against a Portuguese detective who wrote a damning book blaming them for Maddie's disappearance.

Goncalo Amaral worked on the missing girl case at the very beginning in Portugal before being laid off.

He claims Maddie died in the apartment and Gerry and Kate covered up her death by pretending she was missing.

Despite no obvious progress or viable leads in the near-decade since Madeleine disappeared, DCS Mick Duthie, head of the Met's murder squad, said they remained optimistic last week."

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by Rogue-a-Tory 26.04.16 12:15

Bishop Brennan wrote:The Sun, writing about the close-down, leading the readers to the conclusion they have already formed?

"The blow for Gerry and Kate McCann comes a week after they lost a libel lawsuit against a Portuguese detective who wrote a damning book blaming them for Maddie's disappearance.

Goncalo Amaral worked on the missing girl case at the very beginning in Portugal before being laid off.

He claims Maddie died in the apartment and Gerry and Kate covered up her death by pretending she was missing.

Despite no obvious progress or viable leads in the near-decade since Madeleine disappeared, DCS Mick Duthie, head of the Met's murder squad, said they remained optimistic last week."

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I'll give the Met a couple of leads it can follow - the ones attached to Eddie & Keela.

by woodbine 26.04.16 12:18

Bishop Brennan wrote:
woodbine wrote:I'd imagine to save face they would have to launch their own investigation. Without actually investigating anything of course, so it wouldn't really cost anything. Just release a sound bite now and again about some non-specific unscrupulous character who once thought about abducting someone.

That sounds very plausible. Likely too that the MET will conclude their case in a few months and I'd like to predict some or all of the following in their closing statement:

Despite their best efforts and thousands of leads followed, the trail had gone too cold.

That it was likely she was abducted but that they could not find enough evidence to prosecute.

Sorry to the poor parents and always open to new info.

Pressure may be brought to include words that exonerate the McCanns, but in the end it's been a giant waste of money and ultimately a failed whitewash, regardless of their concluding statement. Amaral finishes victorious, the book is published, and the public come to their own conclusion about why SY were unable to find any trace of abduction.

I think you're spot on. Still, I'm full of optimism today. I sign in here virtually every day to see if there is any progress and the last week there is finally hope. And today is a great day for me, as I'm a liverpool supporter and after 27 years, the fans have finally been exonerated from responsibility for the tragedy at Hillsborough. If you want to see another police cover up in action read all about this.

by Guest 26.04.16 12:27

pendragon2007 wrote:Just heard on 10am BBC Radio 4 news. Police to close Madeleine McCann case soon. They have one current lead to follow but if no more evidence crops up they will close the investigation.

Six months ago it was announced by the Metropolitan Police via the UK press, that Operation Grange had been granted another six months stay of execution - six months later and a few more thousand quid ~~wasted~~ spent they are saying much the same thing.

Rumour has it (rumour as in the national press) that this final one lead is related to a formal request made to the Portuguese some months back - buck passing springs to mind. According to Hogan-Thingy, or some such source close to the investigation, a few more months could see an end to the case if not further evidence comes to light. Badly translated, does this mean 2017 and we'll still be chewing the same cud?

We shall see - or will we..

by skyrocket 26.04.16 12:27

Post the upcoming EU election vote would probably be a convenient time to shelve OG - bound to be days of headlines concentrating on the EU outcome, whichever way the vote goes.

Once shelved, all it would take is one of the Met team who congratulated Snr Amaral last week or who donated to his fighting fund last year on GoFundMe, to make a decision to speak out i.e. a whistleblower. Sad state of affairs to think that this may be the only way for the real truth about OG's investigation to be known. Sadder still that any brave soul who decides to take this action may themselves be criminalized; will quite likely lose their job and their pension; and, possibly worse. I hope that there is someone involved who will take the risk.

@TB - is the letter you are handing in suitable to be published openly so that it can be read by the public in general? Always good (and safer) to get things out in the open.

by pendragon2007 26.04.16 12:35

The SUN
"Despite no obvious progress or viable leads in the near-decade since Madeleine disappeared, DCS Mick Duthie, head of the Met's murder squad, said they remained optimistic last week".
Changed their minds this week then???

He said: "There is ongoing work. There is always a possibility we will find Madeleine and we hope we will find her alive."

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Photoshoot - SY working diligently on "final lead" to find Madeleine alive.

You couldn't make it up - could you?

by Guest 26.04.16 12:38

woodbine wrote:Maybe now the McCanns can finally launch their own super-duper investigation. Or has that ship sailed now they have to pay court costs?

No can do! That nasty evil sardine munching wine swilling foreigner has stripped them of all their assets. First he interferes with their search by publishing libelous material about culpability which deterred the public from searching on their behalf and now a double whammy, he going to try and steal all their loverly money that they were going to use to continue the search - as and when no official source is proactively searching for their daughter!

PHEW!

* Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

* Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

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Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

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Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Amelie McCann (aged 2): "Maddie's jammies!".

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

Re: * Days from its closure, Operation Grange is extended by £100.000 and 6 more months - 18.9.2016 * (was: There are just 15 days left to the closure of Operation Grange)

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