Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, has relocated to a flat situated mere yards from a primary school.
The 49-year-old, who holds convictions for paedophilia and rape, is now residing in a two-bedroom property within proximity of three primary schools and three nurseries in Braunschweig, Germany.
His presence has sparked alarm among residents, who report feeling deeply unsettled by the convicted sex offender settling in their neighbourhood.
The house, located on the second floor of an older building, is understood to belong to a longstanding acquaintance of Brueckner.
One neighbour described the shock of discovering Brueckner's arrival in the area, saying: "We were surprised to see two plainclothes police officers always waiting in front of the house... Then someone saw him leave the house and recognised him straight away."
The local added: "Everyone here in Braunschweig knows him. I know neighbours who no longer send their children to the supermarket. We're all afraid. There are three daycare centres and three elementary schools right nearby. Why is someone like that allowed to settle here?""
Brueckner has faced repeated calls from communities across northern Germany demanding his relocation since leaving custody a year ago.
Officers maintain a constant watch on the property, with two police personnel stationed in a vehicle behind the residence at all times.
Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007
| PAThis round-the-clock surveillance has been in place since Brueckner walked free from prison last September, having completed his sentence for the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old woman.
Before his most recent incarceration, he operated a kiosk in the same Braunschweig neighbourhood where he now lives.
Shortly after his release last year, reports emerged Brueckner had allegedly told phone shop staff he possessed evidence capable of solving "the scandal of the century" — an apparent allusion to the McCann case.
Madeleine McCann was just three years old when she vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. The youngster, from Rothley in Leicestershire, was on holiday with her parents at the time.
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Christian Brueckner has denied involvement in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann | GETTYGerman prosecutors identified Brueckner as their principal suspect in her disappearance and presumed murder in 2020.
Investigators revealed his mobile phone had registered with a mast near the resort on the evening Madeleine went missing.
Authorities claim to hold physical evidence indicating the child is dead.
However, no forensic material directly connecting Brueckner to the case has been made public and he denies any involvement.
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