Eight Sightings of Madeleine Reported in Malta

Eight more sightings of Madeleine McCann have been reported in Malta, following more than 20 other alleged sightings of the missing four-year-old on the Mediterranean island in recent days.

Detectives in Malta have been investigating multiple reported sightings of Madeleine in the last month and police have promised to 'leave no stone unturned' in pursuing the leads as they continue their search.

So far, police investigations in Malta have produced no results, a police spokeswoman said. "Nevertheless, the police will continue investigating this case."

Madeleine disappeared on 3 May from the holiday apartment where she was staying in Praia De Luz, Portugal.

Last week, detectives in Malta followed up claims by a Maltese woman who said she had seen a "look-alike" of Madeleine accompanied by a middle-aged woman near the City Gate in Valletta.

A British man staying in Malta also reported to officers that he had seen a girl matching Madeleine's description with a woman of either Spanish or Arabic origin.

Superintendent Pierre Calleja said police in Malta had received a report of a possible sighting. He said, "Subsequent to this report, a full scale police investigation and a magisterial inquiry were initiated. These investigations are actively in progress and all possible avenues are being pursued."

A spokesman for Madeleine's parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, said they would not be hasty in giving credibility to the claims at this stage.