Scotland Yard about to commence digs in and around Praia da Luz.

[stephen25000]

Just heard on the BBC news, the next major stage in the investigation is about to start.

[Victoria]

Just heard on the BBC news, the next major stage in the investigation is about to start.

'Within weeks' I believe is the phrasing being used.

[Victoria]

The Assistant Commissioner has confirmed relationship with colleagues in Portugal is good, they are working together well, and Kate and Gerry are being updated regularly. Statement on the Met website.

[Carana]

Yes agreed getting those keys to the church fascinates me and that's why I would search there first (also Smithman was heading towards it).

It seems Amaral ruled out the church as it didn't have a freezer...

Was anything done about the church where the McCanns spent so much time and to which they had the key? (identified reader)

There were never any motives to question the Catholic church. There is no indice that points towards the child being there, at least up to the moment when she was transported in the car. Even because there are no freezers there, or cold spots that would allow for the body to be kept at that location.
An interview in three parts with Gonçalo Amaral, 03/04 August 2008
http://www.mccannfiles.com/id165.html

[pathfinder73]

It seems Amaral ruled out the church as it didn't have a freezer...

Was anything done about the church where the McCanns spent so much time and to which they had the key? (identified reader)

There were never any motives to question the Catholic church. There is no indice that points towards the child being there, at least up to the moment when she was transported in the car. Even because there are no freezers there, or cold spots that would allow for the body to be kept at that location.
An interview in three parts with Gonçalo Amaral, 03/04 August 2008
http://www.mccannfiles.com/id165.html

Thanks for the info but I don't think Madeleine was inside the church. How could Smithman get in if it's locked.  Not to mention the smell. The McCanns didn't get the keys until TUE 7 MAY but they may find some clues near to the church. If she was hidden and later retrieved it was near to the church.

[Carana]

Thanks for the info but I don't think Madeleine was inside the church. How could Smithman get in if it's locked.  Not to mention the smell. The McCanns didn't get the keys until TUE 7 MAY but they may find some clues near to the church.

You're welcome, but I'm a bit confused.

You'd said: "Yes agreed getting those keys to the church fascinates me and that's why I would search there first (also Smithman was heading towards it)."

Have you changed your mind on that?

[John]

The Portuguese like the Spanish very often intern the remains of the departed in an above ground crypt. I wonder if there is such a facility in Praia da Luz and more importantly, was it searched?

[pegasus]

The Portuguese like the Spanish very often intern the remains of the departed in an above ground crypt. I wonder if there is such a facility in Praia da Luz and more importantly, was it searched? ...

Here is PDL cemetery (ETA two layers of above ground crypts at rear)
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Praia+da+Luz,+Portugal&hl=en&ll=37.087552,-8.735493&spn=0.004622,0.009645&channel=fs&oe=utf-8&gl=uk&geocode=FcXYNQIda716_w&hnear=Praia+da+Luz&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=37.08749,-8.735605&panoid=liTvY75oGysnrQQiAA6gyA&cbp=12,313.12,,2,2.5

[icabodcrane]

It seems Amaral ruled out the church as it didn't have a freezer...

...  and it seems Scotland Yard havn't

This is private land  (  a recently developed car park  )  and digging it up will  be costly

I don't believe Scotland Yard would have taken that step on a random whim  ...   there is surely a specific reason for digging there 

Perhaps the police are aware of a telephone call made from that particular location  ?

[Mr Moderator]

CMTV in Lisbon have confirmed that the digs are to commence in June.

[Mr Moderator]

Regardless of recent reports Gonçalo Amaral was very clear about mobile phone activity around the Ocean Club on the night that Madeleine disappeared. The only calls which caused suspicion were those made by Robert Murat.

[jassi]

I have this feeling of deja vu - all over again   

[Carana]

CMTV in Lisbon have confirmed that the digs are to commence in June.

That's interesting... where did you read that?

So the Met has had to explain that there won't be any operational updates so as not to upset the PJ who don't want to deal with a media circus (fair enough), but someone's updating CMTV?

How is that supposed to work?

[Carana]

Regardless of recent reports Gonçalo Amaral was very clear about mobile phone activity around the Ocean Club on the night that Madeleine disappeared. The only calls which caused suspicion were those made by Robert Murat.

If that's the case, why have the Met spent considerable time on phone activity?

[jassi]

If that's the case, why have the Met spent considerable time on phone activity?

Perhaps they thought they could get a quick solution with their superior technology.