Madeleine McCann police 'hoping to make first arrests'

The letter is a significant development. It is necessary for British police to request the ­Portuguese authorities allow them to operate on their turf.

It means they have the intention of arresting and interviewing X, Y or Z. We don’t know who they have their sights on but it’s likely it is the burglars.

Whether the Portuguese will co-operate remains to be seen. It is a very sensitive issue with differences they have had.

Police want to be given a chance to arrest key suspects. It doesn’t prove they have Madeleine but it will rule them in or out of the investigation and that is important.

Kate and Gerry don’t want to build up their hopes too high but they realise it could be a significant new lead.