'Is Maddy at the Big House?'

EXCLUSIVE

By Victoria Ward  11/09/2007

Parents Kate and Gerry have told them their big sister is missing, but while in Portugal Sean often pointed to her photo and inquired: "Where is Madeleine?" On one tear-jerking occasion he asked: "Is Madeleine at home waiting?"

Gerry's mum Eileen McCann, 67, explained: "It came out of the blue and broke Kate and Gerry's hearts.

"They had been talking about returning home and Sean said, 'Going back to the big house, big garden, back to Madeleine'.

"Gerry told him, 'No, pet, she is not there'. Then he just ran off, not even waiting for an explanation.

"Gerry told me he wanted to faint when he heard that."

Eileen, of Glasgow, added: "Sean and Amelie knew that Madeleine had gone missing while they were in Portugal. But now they're back home, in what Sean calls 'the big house with the big garden, swings and slide', they associate it with their sister and think she will be there."

Their mum and dad have kept them from their four-year-old sister's bedroom to avoid further heartrending scenes.

Their gran said: "They have not been in Madeleine's room yet because Kate doesn't want them seeing her things and saying, 'This is Madeleine's'."

However, Kate's anguish was evident as she sat alone and wept in her missing daughter's bedroom when the family returned to Rothley, Leics, on Sunday. Eileen, with them in Portugal, added: "Kate always looks as if she is coping so well.

"But at times she's been so upset she couldn't even talk. She would just sit looking at a picture of Madeleine and cry."

The public are split..

As a Canadian watching the Madeleine story, my biggest shock comes from the cruel and heartless response by so many people in the UK. Yes, I know many people support the McCanns but WOW - I cannot comprehend how quickly your nation turns on their own. - JOIE, MIRROR.CO.UK FORUM

Why do people assume the Portuguese police are bungling, incompetent, or even corrupt? I am sure they are trying their best to solve the mystery. - J KHAN, BY EMAIL

If both parents want to clear the air, why don't they offer to take a lie detector test? If they are telling the absolute truth, then what have they to fear? - ALFRED P BRIGHT

It's clear for all to see that the Portuguese police accused the parents just to get the McCanns out of the country because the scandal is affecting tourism to the Algarve. What a shambles the investigation is. - BRIDGET REES PLYMOUTH

The McCanns have avoided answering numerous questions from the media and now we read that there were 40 questions they refused to answer during their interview last week. Why, if they are innocent and have nothing to hide? - RITA O'BRIEN-HEILIG COLOGNE

If Maddy is never found, the cash in the fund should be spent on a children's home. - RODNEY SMYTHE KENSINGTON, WEST LONDON

I'll be joining the Bishop of Birmingham in praying for her safe return. Our thoughts should be with Madeleine's family. - WILL LAWRENCE, LONDON

Leave the McCanns alone. There's no proof they had anything to do with her disappearance. - JAMES HANSON, OTLEY, W YORKS

While Gerry and Kate McCann are under great scrutiny at present, it appears that the search for Madeleine has been halted. Whatever your opinion on whether the McCanns are guilty or not, she still needs to be found. - NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

All this speculation isn't helping the investigation. The police may have some proof but why are people so quick to have a go at them? None of us know anything for certain so we shouldn't jump to conclusions. - ALEX CROWE, READING