Madeleine's Dad Thanks Police

The father of missing Madeleine McCann has thanked police officers at an awards ceremony for their "sterling work" in searching for his four-year-old daughter.

Gerry McCann wiped away tears after a poignant video of his daughter - who is still missing - was shown at the Police Bravery Awards at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Mr McCann said that he and his wife, Kate, were fully aware of police efforts and urged them not to give up the hunt.

He told the audience: "Over the past 10 weeks Kate and I have been reminded of what a wonderful job you do.

"The role of our forces is often not appreciated until you really need their help.

"Kate and I would like to thank all of the police officers in the UK that were involved in the operation to find Madeleine for their sterling work."

He also thanked the Portuguese police and other forces in countries where Madeleine has allegedly been sighted for their "commitment and co-operation".

Mr McCann said: "It's been 70 days since Madeleine was snatched from her bed as she slept. Each of those 70 days has been unbearable for her family. No child should be separated from its family in such a way."

He once again praised the "support and kind words" he and his family have received from members of the public, adding: "We will not give up and we will not stop searching for her."

The disappearance of Madeleine McCann was discussed last week by Gordon Brown when he raised concerns about the investigation with the Portuguese Prime Minister.

Jose Socrates assured Brown: "We have dedicated to this investigation all the resources we have in order to give it high priority and we are doing our best. Everyone in Portugal and the family knows we are doing our best."

Madeleine vanished 3 May after her parents left her and her siblings sleeping in their holiday apartment while they went to a nearby tapas bar inside their hotel complex.