‘Model’ of Madeleine McCann aged 21 as tremendous recogniser makes ‘most correct sculpture’
Simone Malik used genetics and natural facial recognition to create the sculpture of what Madeleine McCann might look like now aged 21, as the mystery continues over her disappearance in 2007
This is the “most accurate model” of what Madeleine McCann may look like now at the age of 21, according to an image created by a “super recogniser”.
Artist Simone Malik – who used genetics and a natural facial recognition “gift” to generate an image of the missing girl – spent four weeks crafting the 3D clay sculpture. Simone, 43, says she spent hours painstakingly analysing the facial features of Madeleine and her family to create the most realistic model she could, almost 18 years after she vanished while on holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, with her family.
Her 1m (3.2ft) long model of Madeleine is complete with make-up, modern dress and a ‘realistic body shape’ to reflect how she would now look as a young woman.
And she hopes her creation could finally help solve the mystery of her disappearance, which has left detectives baffled since 2007. Former NHS worker Simone said: “I think it’s the most accurate current model of Madeleine.
“Amelie McCann appeared in public and there was a striking resemblance between her and a previous image of Madeline I did, some of the striking features including the jaw.
“Now here I am with a sculpture hoping the 3D image will shed light onto the mystery as she hasn’t been found, we must assume she’s alive and out there.
“The public look at images of Madeleine and see a toddler, maybe they’re looking for a toddler’s face. She’s now an adult, if she’s out there she’s probably getting her hair and make up done.
“Thinking she’s no more is a cruel thing to do, there’s no concrete evidence to say she’s not alive. If it can trigger someone out there and lead to something, I would be extremely proud.”
Simone, of Bradford, West Yorks., believes there are parallels between Madeleine and her sister Amelie, including sharing a similar jaw shape and near-identical lips.
But she believes Madeleine would have the same nose as her aunt Philomena rather than her parents Kate and Gerry McCann.
The clay sculpture shows Madeleine in a modern red dress and make-up as Simone wanted to capture her entering early adulthood.
The model also features varying shades of blonde hair and has been kept slim like her mum and sister.
Simone added: “I’ve matched faces from family and their genetics and they do share certain traits with Madeleine.
“The forehead is wide and high, similar to Gerry McCann. The eyes are also similar to Gerry, the nose is similar to Philomena her aunt.
“The lip area is not protruding, she has very flat lips going inwards, Kate McCann also has those lips. Amelie also has those lips.
“I’ve studied her from several different angles, looking down, looking up. I’ve made her look more glamorous and adult-like.”
Ex-Scotland Yard detective Mike Neville, who runs the Super Recogniser International agency, said: “Anything that can help to find Madeleine would be great. The only way to find her is images. If she is alive, there will be an image of her somewhere.”
Simone first used her extraordinary abilities in 2018 when her sketches helped Indian police catch multiple child rapist and murderer Imran Ali.
A spokesman for the Met Police said: “We continue to support Madeleine’s family to understand what happened on the evening of 3 May, 2007 in Praia da Luz. Our thoughts remain with the family.“
Julia Wandel, 23, will appear before Leicester Crown Court next month accused of stalking Madeleine’s family.
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