Police: Madeleine McCann may be alive

LONDON -- British police asked Portugal on Wednesday to reopen the case of Madeleine McCann, saying that as the fifth anniversary of her disappearance approaches, there is a possibility she is still alive.

Police released an image of what McCann is likely to look like today. The then-3-year-old vanished on May 3, 2007, while on a trip to Portugal with her family.

The case sparked global interest because of heartbreaking images of the girl beamed around the world and, in part, because her parents were briefly considered suspects.

In a rare news conference on the case, Det. Chief Insp. Andy Redwood said he is leading a team of 37 police officers reviewing 40,000 pieces of evidence gathered so far. The team has identified some 195 possible leads to be followed up on, he said.

Redwood said he has made seven visits to Portugal and is working closely with Portuguese police. He has had regular contact with the parents, Kate and Gerry McCann. -- AP