A recent search for Madeleine McCann has begun in Portugal.  Portuguese and German police are working together in the Atalaia area, just a few miles from where the British toddler was last seen in 2007.  The search is happening because of a request from German federal police.  They want to find evidence that might connect a prime suspect, Christian Brückner, to the case.  Brückner is currently in prison for raping a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz in 2005.  He will be released from jail in September if no other charges are brought against him.

The search teams are using radar equipment to scan beneath the ground.  They are also draining a well and clearing areas of dense vegetation near abandoned buildings.  The teams are working in a rural area a few miles from Praia da Luz.  Journalists are being kept at a distance from the search sites.  This is because of the intense international media attention on the operation.  A no-fly zone was imposed to stop the use of drones.  However, some activity can be seen as teams use tools to clear the undergrowth and debris surrounding an abandoned building.

Investigators plan to look at trenches dug near the resort at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance.  They will also examine wells, ruins, and water tanks.  There are plans to look at 21 pieces of land.  Brückner was cleared by a German court last year of unrelated sexual offenses.  These offenses were alleged to have taken place in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.

About 30 German police officers, including forensic experts, are expected to take part in the search.  Portuguese officers will also be involved.  The activity is due to last until Friday.  The Metropolitan Police in the UK are aware of the operation but will not be present.  German investigators and Portuguese officers last carried out searches in the country in 2023.  This was near the Barragem do Arade reservoir, about 30 miles from Praia da Luz.  Brückner had photographs and videos of himself near the reservoir.

In April, UK ministers approved more than £100, 000 in additional funding for Scotland Yard detectives investigating Madeleine’s disappearance.  Madeleine's family, from Rothley in Leicestershire, marked the 18th anniversary of her disappearance last month.  They described her as "beautiful and unique" before her 22nd birthday.  They also expressed their determination to keep searching.  The family said, "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. "

PRIME SUSPECT DETAILS

Findings in the search for Madeleine McCann

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