Gerry McCann has launched a fresh plea for information about missing Madeleine — and still “strongly believes” his daughter will be found alive.

Almost a month after the official investigation closed, determined dad Gerry does not accept the verdict of the Portuguese police files that claim she is “most probably” dead.

And he believes fresh leads that are coming forward will finally help track his daughter.

The heartbreaking assessment of the authorities in Portugal was revealed when the official investigation files were passed to the media just over a week ago.

But in his weblog, Gerry pleaded with anyone who had been in contact with cops in relation to Madeleine’s disappearance NOW to contact the private investigators the family have hired to find her.

Said Gerry: “It is over three weeks since we learned that the Portuguese authorities had closed the investigation to find Madeleine, lifted our arguido status and ended judicial secrecy. We were surprised that copies of investigation files were given to the media. The content of these files has been extensively reported.

“It will be clear to everyone now that there is absolutely no evidence that suggests Madeleine has been seriously harmed.

“Knowing this, we strongly believe that Madeleine is out there and can be found.”

Added Gerry: “Of course, whoever is responsible for Madeleine’s abduction must, and can, be found to prevent them from putting another child and family through the misery we have suffered.

“We have always believed that this heinous crime could be solved with the help of the public.

“Our investigators continue to explore credible leads and will continue to do so as long as Madeleine is missing.

“Now that the authorities are no longer looking for Madeleine we implore everyone who has provided information to the enquiry to contact us.”

l The McCanns’ investigation team can be contacted at investigation@findmadeleine.com or by phoning 0845 8384699.

cmcguigan@belfasttelegraph.co.uk