The parents of Madeleine McCann said today they were still waiting for the "vital breakthrough" in the search for their daughter as they marked the 50th day since her abduction.
Gerry and Kate McCann released 50 green and yellow balloons, each with a photograph of missing four-year-old tied to it, from the beach in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz.
The scene was repeated at nearly 300 locations across the UK and around the world as supporters launched thousands of balloons to highlight the sombre anniversary.
A spokeswoman for Mr and Mrs McCann, from Rothley in Leicestershire, said they were "totally overwhelmed" by the "spontaneous" balloon release events organised by wellwishers.
Meanwhile, Maltese police continued to investigate a series of reports that Madeleine had been seen on the Mediterranean island.
Local newspaper In-Nazzjon said two tourists had reported seeing a girl matching her description in the Maltese capital Valletta on Saturday.
Superintendent Pierre Calleja
Subsequent reports said four other people had since come forward with possible sightings on the island.
Superintendent Pierre Calleja of the Maltese CID said a "full-scale" police investigation and an inquiry headed by a magistrate were under way.
He added: "These investigations are actively in progress and all possible avenues are being pursued."
But the McCann family spokeswoman said they would not even think about the reports from Malta until they were officially confirmed.
She added: "There are lots of reports. If they got that emotionally involved with each one, they wouldn't be able to concentrate on the campaign.
"A lot of them, even though they are well-meaning, amount to nothing.
"They cannot expend that energy on getting excited or upset or whatever unless they are told by official channels that there is reason for them to do so."
Madeleine was snatched from her bed in her parents' holiday flat in Praia da Luz on May 3.
PA