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Villagers back Madeleine parents |
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The people of Rothley, Leicestershire, the home village of missing Madeleine McCann, have given their backing to the little girl's parents. As Madeleine's parents were named in Portugal as suspects, neighbour Shirley Fouts said it was beyond comprehension. "I think it's very distressful they have been put through this," she said. Brian Kennedy, Madeleine's great-uncle, speaking in Rothley, said he was sure villagers were 100% behind the missing girl's parents. Residents had "prayed" with the family since Madeleine went missing in May, he said. 'Not involved' The Royal Oak pub was handing out cards on Friday containing a prayer which asks for the child's safe return. Mr Kennedy said: "In Rothley the support for Kate and Gerry is very strong, the people here have been wonderful. "They've prayed with us, they've thought with us, talked with us whenever we're out on the street and I am quite sure the people of Rothley are 100% behind them." Ms Fouts who lives near the McCanns said: "I don't see how they can be involved. It's beyond comprehension that they could have done this." Another resident, Jane, 45, said: "I can't believe it's true. "This is a big village. People are always coming and leaving but I would hope that people would support their own." She believed villagers would pull together, in the same way they did when they placed ribbons around the war memorial for Madeleine. Madeleine disappeared from the family's apartment in Portugal while her parents ate at a nearby restaurant. | | I shall be glad when it's all resolved. It's all very sad
John Simpson, former Rothley resident |
Mrs McCann was interviewed twice in 24 hours by Portuguese police. The couple deny any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance on 3 May. John, 44, from Leicester, told BBC News: "I'd like to think it's not them and that she (Madeleine) will be found safe and well. "I really don't know what to think of it. The investigation seems to have been a bit of a mess." Media hype Susan, 45, from Mountsorrel, was surprised to hear the news. "You would have thought that the Portuguese police would already have had time to find this out. It has taken so long. "People are very sceptical whether it's a realistic charge." But John Simpson, 69, who grew up in Rothley and now lives nearby, laid some of the blame on the McCanns. "You've got to lay a lot of it on the parents. It was neglect. I wouldn't have left my granddaughter alone for a second abroad. "I think there's too much media hype. It's been blown out of proportion by too much coverage. "I shall be glad when it's all resolved. It's all very sad." |
