A millionaire businessman has confirmed he is providing financial backing to the parents of missing Madeleine McCann.

Brian Kennedy, who owns the Latium Group and rugby union team Sale Sharks, said he felt "compelled" to support Gerry and Kate McCann following the accusations made against them.
He said in a statement: "In light of the quite literally incredible accusations against Gerry and Kate McCann... I felt compelled to offer, along with other like-minded businessmen, financial support and the full logistical support of the Latium team. "That support is principally our in-house lawyer Ed Smethurst and (official spokesman) Clarence Mitchell.

"This will relieve the McCanns of the daily pressure of co-ordinating the legal teams that will expedite the clearing of Gerry and Kate's names, allowing all parties to refocus on finding Madeleine." Cheshire-based Mr Kennedy is estimated to be worth £250m and made his fortune in double glazing and home improvement ventures.

The Latium Group of companies, which has annual turnover of approximately £400m, is involved in plastics extrusion, conservatory roof manufacture, glass processing, home improvement retailing and property. The Edinburgh-born entrepreneur previously owned Stockport County football club through his company Cheshire Sports and bought Sale Sharks in 1999.