A significant new search operation has commenced in southern Portugal, focusing on the area where Leicestershire toddler Madeleine McCann vanished in 2007.
This renewed effort is driven by the urgency of gathering forensic evidence before the scheduled release of prime suspect Christian Brückner in September 2025.
Picture: Madeleine McCann
German authorities have led the operation, with support from Portuguese police, aiming to uncover DNA or other trace evidence that could link Brückner to the disappearance. Brückner, a convicted paedophile and rapist, has denied involvement in Madeleine’s case. Investigators are particularly interested in areas like old street works where items may have been buried, acting on new tips that have surfaced.
The search is concentrated near Lagos, approximately 50 kilometers from Praia da Luz, where Madeleine was last seen. This location was chosen due to its proximity to a property where Brückner resided at the time of her disappearance. The operation is a collaborative effort between German and Portuguese authorities, with British police monitoring the developments from a distance.
The McCann family’s commitment to finding their daughter remains unwavering, as they continue to support ongoing investigations and await justice.
Last month Madeleine’s family marked the 18th anniversary of her disappearance, describing her as “beautiful and unique” before her 22nd birthday.
