New search in Portugal as German police pursue Madeleine McCann “murder inquiry” | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Disappearance of Madeleine McCann (2007)
• Prior Deluj, Algarve, Portugal
• Christian Brückner (convicted child sex offender, chief suspect)
• German Police Investigation
• Murder Inquiry
• Search Operation

Madeleine McCann Disappearance and Renewed Investigation

The video reports on new searches being conducted by German officers in Portugal related to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who went missing in 2007 from a holiday apartment in Prior Deluj, Algarve. The searches are scheduled to continue until Friday.

Location of Searches

The search area includes the holiday apartment from where Madeleine McCann disappeared and a house where Christian Brückner, the chief suspect, used to live.

Christian Brückner: The Prime Suspect

Christian Brückner, a convicted child sex offender, is the primary suspect in the McCann case. He has never been formally charged in connection with Madeleine's disappearance and has denied any involvement. Brückner is currently imprisoned in Germany for raping a pensioner in Portugal in 2005.

Race Against Time

German prosecutors are aware that Christian Brückner's sentence is nearing its end, with his potential release later this year or early next year. This has led to the investigation being described as a "race against time" to gather sufficient evidence.

Previous Search and Current Operation

A previous major search in the Algarve region took place two years ago at a remote reservoir. The current operation is expected to last all week and is classified by German police as part of a murder inquiry.

Investigation Details Under Wraps

The German police have not disclosed the full details of their investigation, maintaining secrecy around their methods and findings. The current search represents a renewed effort to uncover clues in this high-profile case.