Madeleine McCann update: British police expected to join search as investigators seen with ‘bags of evidence’

British police are expected to join the search for missing Madeleine McCann after investigators confirmed they are searching a reservoir 30 miles from where she went missing in Portugal. Madeleine, who was three at the time of the disappearance went missing from a holiday apartment in Praia De Luz in 2007 while her parents were out at a nearby restaurant.

The disappearance sparked a major search and in June 2020, German police authorities said they believed a man in their custody was responsible for Madeleine’s kidnapping. They said they believed Christian Brueckner, who is currently serving a prison sentence for rape, murdered the child after taking her but he has never been charged over Madeleine’s disappearance and denies any involvement.

This week police divers have been spotted entering the Arade Dam on Tuesday morning (May 23). German prosecutor Christian Wolter said: "We are investigating in Portugal on the basis of certain tip-offs. I can’t disclose the background at the moment, like why we are searching there and what we hope to find there. That shall remain our secret for the moment."

According to The Independent, police officers investigating the reservoir have been seen collecting bags of evidence during the search. Several bags were carried away from the site, although it is not clear what they contained. The Mirror reports the pink pyjamas worn by Maddie on the night she went missing are understood to be a focus in the search.

Prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters told German state broadcaster NDR that they “have grounds to believe” they could find evidence in the area. According to reports, the area being searched is a place Christian Brueckner used to visit when he lived in Portugal.

British police are said to be due to travel to Portugal to observe the new search, with Scotland Yard liaison officers expected to keep the McCanns informed of any developments.

When did Madeleine McCann go missing

Madeleine McCann went missing when she was on holiday in Praia De Luz, Portugal in May 2007. It is thought that she was taken while she was left alone with her younger siblings in the hotel room while her parents ate at a nearby restaurant.