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Major Update Issued On The Hunt For Missing Madeleine McCann
A huge development has been made in the case of Madeleine McCann.
It’s one of the world’s most high-profile missing person cases.
Madeleine was just three years old when she disappeared from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007, as her parents dined nearby.
Nearly two decades on, the British toddler remains missing – but now, following a new tip-off in the case, police have launched a fresh search in the Madeleine case.
Dozens of agents from Germany’s FBI – the BKA – have descended on the Algarve resort, armed with radar technology that can scan 15 feet below the ground’s surface.
The officers are in a race against time to charge Christian Brueckner – the main suspect in the case, who is currently caged in Germany for r**ing an elderly woman in Portugal in 2005.
Brueckner, who has repeatedly denied involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance, is due for release in September, with cops fearing he could do a runner if not charged over the case.
The new search will reportedly include land near Brueckner’s former home in Portugal.
An investigation source told The Sun: “German cops know it is now or never so they need to push ahead with every credible tip they have.
“Following Brueckner’s trial last year someone contacted them with theories on where anyone who took Madeleine might have dumped her, or her clothes.
“They told cops about trenches that were dug in Praia at the time Madeleine disappeared – and the house where Brueckner had lived on the edge of the village.
“Of course, all these places have been searched over and over again – but now they have a new weapon in their ground-scanning radar.”
The officers were said to be ‘praying’ for a breakthrough in the unsolved case, which has been previously investigated by police forces across Europe.
The latest search, taking place across 21 plots of land, including wells, ruins, and water storage tanks, has been launched on warrants issued by German prosecutors, the BBC reports.
The authorities are thought to be looking for Madeleine’s body, or a sign she was once there.
The search involves Portuguese police, but no British officers. However, London’s Metropolitan Police said it would ‘support our international colleagues where necessary.’
Four vehicles carrying German cops were seen arriving at the site of the search on June 3, which is due to continue until Friday. They were joined by a Portuguese fire engine.
The last search for Madeleine took place in 2023, near a reservoir in Portugal.
Madeleine, from Leicestershire, was on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry, her two-year-old twin siblings, and some family friends, when she went missing.
Last month, her heartbroken mom and dad marked the 18th anniversary of her disappearance with a touching Facebook post, describing Madeleine as a ‘very beautiful’ person.
Posting on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign page, the pair thanked their ‘faithful supporters once again for standing by us, and never forgetting about Madeleine.’
They added: “The years appear to be passing even more quickly and whilst we have no significant news to share, our determination to ‘leave no stone unturned’ is unwavering.
“We will do our utmost to achieve this.”
Madeleine’s 22nd birthday was last month, and her parents continued: “No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day.
“We continue to ‘celebrate’ her as the very beautiful and unique person she is.
“We miss her. Kate, Gerry, and family.”
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