German police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann are to carry out fresh searches in Portugal this week, 18 years after the three-year-old went missing. The operation, expected to last three days, is focused on land searches near the Barragem do Arade reservoir, about 30 miles from Praia da Luz, where Madeleine vanished in 2007.
The prime suspect, Christian Brueckner, is serving a seven-year sentence in Germany for the rape of an elderly woman in Praia da Luz in 2005. He had photographs and videos of himself near the reservoir and has denied involvement in Madeleine's disappearance. German authorities are receiving support from Portuguese law enforcement.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are aware of the searches but are not present. A spokesperson said: 'We will support our international colleagues where necessary.' The area was previously searched in 2008 and 2014, with no significant findings.
Last month, Madeleine's family marked the 18th anniversary of her disappearance, stating their determination to 'leave no stone unturned.' In April, UK ministers approved over £100,000 in additional funding for Scotland Yard's investigation. Brueckner is due for release from prison in September.
