Portuguese police ‘launch search for Madeleine McCann’s body in the Algarve’

Portuguese police have reportedly launched searches for Madeleine Mcann’s body on the Algarve.

The searches are said to have been conducted in wells in Vila do Bispo, a 20 minute drive west of Praia da Luz where the British youngster vanished in May 2007.

Portuguese state broadcaster RTP is saying detectives discovered ‘fundamental evidence’ to be able to prove suspect Christian Brueckner is responsible for her disappearance.

The broadcaster has also linked the German 43-year-old to another missing persons’ case in the Algarve resort of Silves. More details are expected to be revealed later.

RTP reporter Sandra Felgueiras last week revealed Breuckner had been arrested on suspicion of exposing himself to children in a playground a short drive from Praia da Luz in 2017 when he was on the run from German authorities.

She also quizzed a couple the convicted paedophile used to live with in Portugal who claimed a Scotland Yard neighbour had been helping Algarve investigators probe Madeleine’s disappearance.

There was no immediate official response from Portuguese police to the RTP well search claims.

After the recent appeal which led to Brueckner being identified as a suspect, Portuguese police were said to be on standby to search wells and other areas German prosecutors pinpointed as possible burial sites once they had extra information.

The German serial offender is currently in jail in his homeland for unrelated offences. German prosecutors say they believe Madeleine is dead and have identified Brueckner as the prime suspect.

More to follow.