Hollywood blockbuster's UK release delayed because of storyline links to Madeleine case

Oscar winner Affleck's movie, called 'Gone, Baby, Gone', was due to have been released in Britain on November 23.

The film, which stars the film-maker's brother Casey Affleck, was to have been featured in the London Film Festival which begins next month.

The film has now been withdrawn from the Festival.

The film follows the abduction of a four-year-old girl from the bedroom of her Boston home. Casey Affleck plays a private detective who searches for her.

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The similarities between the film and the real life missing four-year-old have prompted Ben Affleck to delay the release until next year

One of several aspects that troubled film executives was that the name of the young actress playing the kidnapped girl is called Madeline O'Brien.

"It would be insensitive of us to release the film when Madeleine McCann is still missing and with the story having such a high profile", Daniel Battsek, president of Miramax Films told the Daily Mail.

Miramax Films started production of the film two years ago after Ben Affleck decided to adapt the story from a novel by Dennis Lehane.

"The film has absolutely nothing to do with the disappearance of Madeleine but there are similarities. It's a great shame because, of course, the book came out ten years ago and it's set in Boston and those who have read the book and seen the film in previews will understand that the circumstances are very different", Mr Battsek commented during the Toronto Film Festival.

Gone Baby Gone is Ben Affleck's directorial debut, and stars his brother, Casey Affleck