British police continue to investigate the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, a three-year-old girl who vanished in Portugal in 2007. A 49-year-old German man, Christian Brueckner, remains a suspect but has declined to participate in an interview regarding the case. Brueckner, who lived in the Algarve region when McCann disappeared, is set to be released from prison in Germany later in September 2023.
The Metropolitan Police first identified Brueckner as a suspect in June 2020. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell from the Metropolitan Police stated, “We have requested an interview with this German suspect but … it was subsequently refused by the suspect.” This refusal comes as the investigation enters a critical phase, with police remaining vigilant in their pursuit of any viable leads.
McCann was reported missing on May 3, 2007, while on holiday with her family in the town of Praia da Luz. Her disappearance triggered an extensive search effort that captured global media attention, yet she has never been located. Brueckner is currently imprisoned for a separate crime involving the sexual assault of a 72-year-old woman in the same area of the Algarve, further complicating the investigation.
The police statement confirmed Brueckner’s status as a suspect, highlighting their awareness of his upcoming release. Authorities in both Germany and Portugal conducted a four-day search in June 2023, looking for evidence related to McCann’s case. Despite the ongoing investigation, police are unable to provide further details at this time, emphasizing that any inquiries regarding the conditions of Brueckner’s release should be directed to German authorities.
In June 2020, German police announced they believed McCann was likely deceased and that Brueckner was a prime suspect in her presumed death. Although he has denied any involvement in her disappearance, he has not faced charges related to the case. The Metropolitan Police are committed to continuing their investigation and pursuing all potential lines of inquiry as they seek justice for McCann and her family.
