Parents of kidnapped girl appeal for help

By Vasco Celio

PORTIMAO, Portugal (Reuters) - The parents of a three-year-old British girl kidnapped during a holiday at a beach resort in Portugal appealed on Saturday for information that could lead to her safe return.

A distraught Gerry McCann, standing next to his wife at the resort in the Algarve, thanked Portuguese authorities for their support after they confirmed that Madeleine McCann had been snatched from the family's holiday villa apartment.

"We would again like to appeal for any information, however small, that may lead to the safe return of Madeleine," McCann said in a statement from the resort that was aired live on Portuguese and British television.

"We would like to thank everyone here in Portugal, the UK and elsewhere for all your support during this extremely difficult time for our family," he said, at one stage stuttering his words.

He said he had no further information about the investigation but appreciated the "significant efforts everyone is making on our behalf".

The appeal was the second one made by the couple, who made a first statement on Friday evening, asking for help from anybody who may know anything about their daughter's whereabouts.

Up to 150 Portuguese police officials were searching for the girl, who was first reported missing on Thursday.

Earlier on Friday, Guilhermino Encarnacao, head of the judicial police in the Faro area of the Algarve, said police believed Madeleine was still alive and had a drawing of a suspect based on evidence from witnesses.