‘Relevant clue’ found in bombshell Maddie McCann search

The family of Madeline McCann face an agonising wait after investigators reportedly discovered new evidence in the toddler’s disappearance.

Material collected in the search for Madeline McCann has been revealed as a “revelant clue” in the toddler’s disappearance, providing new hope but an agonising wait for her family.

The three-day search at a Portuguese reservoir unearthed material previously described as soil samples sent for testing and analysis.

Portuguese newspaper Correio de Manha (Morning Mail) reported that what police found was described as a “relevant clue,” but it remained unclear what precisely that clue was.

The Mirror reported that several items were found and collected at Barragem do Arade dam, including a bra strap, pieces of fabric and plastic items. It was not stated, however, whether they were connected to the search for Maddie.

The items sent for forensic testing were expected to yield initial results next week, but the full report wouldn’t be finalised for months.

‘MATERIAL’ SENT FOR TESTING

Police have ended their latest search for missing toddler Maddie McCann after announcing new “material” was removed from a Portuguese reservoir.

Investigators were seen carrying away bags after digging in sections of the search area with the help of sniffer dogs.

While it was unclear what the bags contained, sources said soil samples were dug in the search area.

The Arade dam on the third and final day of new search operations amid the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Picture: AFP

It comes as disturbing details of the criminal informant tip-off that led to the search revealed police were looking for a gun and camcorder allegedly belonging to the prime suspect in the British toddler’s disappearance.

The three-day search ended with a statement from local police in Portugal saying the search “resulted in the collection of some material that will be subject to the competent expertise”.

“The material collected will be handed over to the German authorities,” the statement added.

It is believed soil samples taken from the reservoir would be analysed at a lab in Wiesbaden where the country’s investigative force is based.

German prosecutor Christian Wolters said “there is a certain expectation, but it is not high”, with a source close to the investigation adding there was “nothing to report” after the search.

“Of course we are still looking for the body,” Mr Wolters said. “We’re not just looking for that, of course. There are other things too.

“Any discovery of clothing could help the investigation.”

Investigators said ‘material collected’ would be sent for testing and analysis. Picture: AFP

Investigators descended on the search after a criminal informant told German prosecutors that a gun and camcorder stolen from the home of the prime suspect, Christian B, were thrown into the reservoir, according to The Daily Mail.

Footage on the camera was believed to show the suspect torturing and raping an American woman and a 15-year-old girl, the outlet reported.

Quoting a source close to the investigation, MailOnline said two men, Manfred Seyferth and Helge Busching, told prosecutors they broke into the suspect’s home and found the camera and gun.

“When the video camera was played that said it showed a masked man carrying out a sex attack on a woman and the voice they heard was Brueckner’s.

“Seyferth said a gun was also found and that after finding the video camera they panicked, drove off and later threw both items in the lake.

“Seyferth has told investigators the material on the videotape was evil and if this can be found will be vital to building a case against Brueckner.

“Now another witness has come forward to confirm the story of the first two men and this has prompted intensification of the investigation.”

Originally published as ‘Relevant clue’ found in bombshell Maddie McCann search