Madeleine McCann news – live: Police to search remote Algarve reservoir frequented by suspect
Police searching for Madeleine McCann are to conduct a major search of a remote reservoir in Portugal which suspect Christian Brueckner used to visit.
A peninsula jutting into the Algarve reservoir was sealed off on Monday as police and Portuguese Civil Protection workers were seen setting up tents and various other structures nearby.
One source claimed it is a German-led operation linked to regular trips to the dam investigators believe were made by sole suspect Brueckner, the 45-year-old paedophile currently jailed near Bremen for raping an American pensioner in 2005, in the resort where Madeleine vanished two years later aged three.
The development comes just 10 days after Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, issued a tribute on their Leicestershire-born daughter’s 20th birthday, telling her: “We love you and we’re waiting for you. We’re never going to give up.”
British police are due to travel to Portugal to observe the new search, the source said, with Scotland Yard liaison officers expected to keep the McCanns informed of any developments.
Key Points
Police investigating Madeleine McCann disappearance to search Algarve reservoir
Suspect Christian Brueckner believed to have visited dam near Praia da Luz, insider says
Kate and Gerry McCann issue message to missing daughter on her 20th birthday
Images show authorities setting up tents near reservoir
15:53 , Andy Gregory
Here are some images from close to the reservoir where authorities probing the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are expected to search.
Watch: Drone footage shows dam where police are expected to search
15:35 , Andy Gregory
Christian Brueckner believed to have visited dam, insider says
15:20 , Andy Gregory
A source said that the new search in Portugal is to be led by German investigators and is linked to information they have gleaned which suggests sole suspect Christian Brueckner made regular trips to the dam, reports Gerard Couzens.
The insider said: “Portuguese police will offer logistical support but the initiative is German and they were the ones that requested the work that is going to take place this week.
“Scotland Yard officers are due to travel to Portugal but theirs will be a watching brief.”
The McCanns are expected to be kept informed of any developments as a result of the new search through Scotland Yard liaison officers.
German police expected to release statement on Tuesday, report suggests
15:15 , Andy Gregory
German police would not officially confirm the search at the Arade dam – some 50km from Praia da Luz – but indicated that reports of the investigation are correct, according to the BBC.
They are expected to release a statement on Tuesday, the broadcaster reported.
Madeleine McCann’s parents share message for missing daughter on her 20th birthday
15:10 , Andy Gregory
The new search in Portugal comes just 10 days after Madeleine McCann’s parents shared a message for their lost child on her 20th birthday.
On the Facebook page Find Madeleine Campaign, they wrote: “Happy birthday Madeleine! We love you and we’re waiting for you. We’re never going to give up.”
The Leicestershire couple have continued to campaign despite more than 15 years passing since she went missing aged three in Praia da Luz, and they shared the message alongside a picture of Madeleine.
My colleague William Mata has more in this report:
Madeleine McCann’s parents send poignant message for her 20th birthday
Police to begin major search of Algarve reservoir frequented by Christian Brueckner
15:07 , Andy Gregory
German police looking for Madeleine McCann will begin a major search of a remote Algarve reservoir suspect Christian Brueckner used to visit.
A peninsula just over a mile long jutting into the reservoir was sealed off just after midday on Monday. Several local council lorries were spotted on the piece of land as tents and other structures were erected.
Behind them in another area just under a mile away Portuguese Civil Protection workers were seen setting up a large blue tent alongside police who had erected their own blue tent.
An onlooker said: “There are around two dozen Policia Judiciaria officers who seem to be supervising things at this stage.”
Read the full report here:
Madeleine McCann police to search reservoir visited by key suspect
14:52 , Andy Gregory
Good afternoon, we’ll be using this blog to post live updates on the investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, as authorities prepare to search at a remote reservoir in the Algarve.
