I should think most people are very sympathetic to the plight of these people but it doesn't get away from the fact that this was a situation that could have been avoided and it's natural that people are going to comment on it.

No one expects their child to be abducted but there are a whole host of other reasons why parents shouldn't leave their young children alone and then check back on them every thirty minutes. These parents have paid a hefty price for making that kind of decision and people are bound to wonder at that. I've not seen anyone say that they deserve such torture but they are surprised at the circumstances.

well said...karma worthy

In my field there are more random acts or offences against boys than girls. Not sure why. It doesn't actually matter in this case who did what, who made a poor judgment call or decision or who is responsible and why.

Poor baby. Be strong little one.

£2.5 million has now been offered as a reward, surely this should bring Madeleine back.

Lets hope this is enough of an incentive.

It has made me proud to be English again.

(I will still be emigrating though................)

Perhaps the 'English' could raise a similar amount of reward money for the other countless thousands of children who are abducted for one reason or another worldwide each year? Or do the English only have a place in their heart for their own?

True,

I have also thought about this a bit more.

As there is such a huge amount of money on offer it may lead to copy cat kidnapping. It may give some sickos food for thought

Maybe this is not such a good thing......

A good point.

I think the best thing to do when you are on holiday is eat in the apartment or take the kids out with you or take a stroller along and pile the kids in the stroller and go for a walk and let the kids sleep. Or leave the kids at home with your parents and go on holidays without them if you don't want to be "stuck" looking after them 24/7.

I thought it was OK 30 odd years ago to leave my son in bed while I went out our back door and took two steps and into the neighbour's. But it wasn't. Even back then I would never have considered staying in a hotel and going off anywhere - even for half an hour.

That being said, I am sure the parents are blaming themselves by now and they don't need anybody else telling them that it was an irresponsible thing to do.

that's very true.....the brits have always been generous however maybe the reward figure should be kept under wraps.

Just wonder how many of us in Canada are forever clicking onto Sky and BBC websites wishing for some good news. Haven't personally seen any TV coverage here.

it's hard to find any news outside of texas never mind europe

while out and about today all we seen was people with teeshirts with maddy on. to all
kate

that's good news however i have a feeling the perpetrators will have cut her hair and dyed it and for sure started calling her by another name

I agree - I think its surprising that no one's released images of her with short dark hair! Its sometimes very hard to imagine what someone you don't know looks like!

Her parents have said today they will stay there until they know what has happened to Madeleine

I can understand that because as soon as they get back on the plane it will feel as if they are leaving her behind. But what if she is not in Portugal anymore?

Such a huge thing to think about especially with the other two children...........