Portuguese police refuse to reopen investigation into disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Portuguese police said today they had found no new evidence to justify reopening the investigation into the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann, who went missing five years ago during a family holiday, CNN reported.

The remarks by Pedro do Carmo, the deputy head of the criminal police department, came a day after Scotland Yard called on Portuguese investigators to reopen the case, saying they had found nearly 200 new leads and believed Madeleine, who disappeared just before her fourth birthday in 2007, may still be alive.

Do Carmo told the Associated Press that detectives trawling through evidence gathered during the initial investigation had found no reason to reopen the case.

"So far, no new element has been found that might provide the basis for a reopening of the investigation" into the girl's disappearance, he said, according to the AP.

On Wednesday British police released a computer-enhanced photo of what they believe Madeleine might look like today at age 9.

Madeleine’s disappearance during a family vacation drew international interest and controversy, with Portuguese police criticized for failing to conduct a proper search for the girl and contaminating evidence, according to the Daily Mail.

The McCann’s said someone grabbed their daughter as their three children slept alone in a one-bedroom apartment while they dined with friends nearby.

They discovered Madeleine missing during regular checks during the night.

Portuguese investigators closed the case in July 2008 after failing to find the girl, according to CNN.

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