A former detective who spent years searching for Madeleine McCann has delivered a sobering verdict on the latest investigation efforts, warning that new searches in Portugal are unlikely to yield breakthrough evidence.
Mark Williams told GB News that the passage of time has severely diminished the chances of finding crucial evidence in the case that has captivated public attention for nearly two decades.
Mark Williams told GB News: "Well, unfortunately this is probably not fresh hope for a breakthrough.
“What we've got is we've got the German authorities leading on this investigation. They've got their prime suspect, Christian B, who's currently in jail for other matters.
Mark Williams delivered his verdict on the major new search
GB NEWS
“He's due to be released in September and the German authorities have been investigating him now for over seven years and still don't have sufficient evidence to bring any prosecution. They haven't even interviewed him in relation to their view that he killed Madeleine McCann.
“The German prosecutor is very clear that he is responsible for murder, although, of course, there is no Madeleine McCann. There's been no body and there's been no confirmed death.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
“What's happened now is that the German authorities have been granted permission by the Portuguese judge to search an area, an area of Wasteland which has a number of wells and derelict buildings.
“It is some distance, probably about 30 minutes’ walk from an area where Christian B was living, but 10 months prior to Madeleine's disappearance."
Williams emphasised that German authorities are "throwing everything at it" in their final months before Brueckner's scheduled release from prison in September.
"The likelihood of finding any evidence is very, very slim," he stated, whilst acknowledging there remains a chance of discovering something.The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are aware of the German-led operation but are not directly involved.
German authorities have requested permission from Portuguese judges to search the area, which was reportedly examined in the early days following Madeleine's disappearance.
"They are saying they are looking for a body. It's as simple as that," Williams told GB News.
He explained that concealing a body for such an extended period would require burial or placement in a building or well.
Madeleine McCann disappeared during a family holiday in 2007PAGerman prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters has maintained that Brueckner is responsible for Madeleine's murder, despite the absence of a body or confirmed death.
Williams revealed that German authorities have been investigating Brueckner for over seven years but "still don't have sufficient evidence to bring any prosecution."
Brueckner, currently serving a seven-year sentence for raping an elderly woman in Praia da Luz in 2005, has denied any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance.
More From GB News
Most Read
