Latest Madeleine McCann search ends; possible clues under forensic review

The latest search effort in connection with the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has officially concluded, German prosecutors confirmed, with collected samples expected to undergo forensic analysis.

Head prosecutor in Braunschweig, Hans Christian Wolters, said the co-operation between the Portuguese and German authorities during the operation was “very constructive”.

The search, conducted between June 2 and 6 near the Algarve town of Lagos, was part of a European Investigation Order initiated by Germany and executed by Portugal’s Judicial Police. It marks another chapter in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine, who went missing in 2007.

According to The Sun, investigators collected several items during the search, including bones and fabric fibres. While the bones were initially believed to be from animals, they have been retained for forensic testing, indicating that authorities are still evaluating whether any of the materials may be relevant to the case.

News of the renewed searches came as a major step forward in the long-running mystery, the most recent development came in 2023 when investigators announced they were conducting searches at a reservoir located inland from where Maddie went missing.

Portugal’s Judicial Police released a statement at the time confirming the search efforts were underway.

“In view of the news made public, the Judiciary Police confirms that, regarding the investigation into the disappearance of an English child, which occurred in the Algarve in 2007, steps are still being taken to fully clarify the situation,” the statement read.

“Within the scope of international cooperation, in the next few days in the Algarve region, new searches will be carried out, coordinated by the Judiciary Police, at the request of the German Authorities (BKA) and with the presence of the British Authorities.

“Information will be provided in due course on the outcome of the proceedings.”

Unfortunately, the operation yielded no new evidence.

Maddie disappeared from her bed at a resort in Praia da Luz on the evening of May 3, 2007. Her disappearance sparked a global media frenzy and became one of the most high-profile missing person cases in recent history.

Despite years of investigations spanning multiple countries, her whereabouts remain unknown.

Read more: Heartbreaking milestone: Madeleine McCann’s parents deliver emotional message on her 21st birthday

-with PA.