A three-day search for Madeleine McCann in Portugal, near where she disappeared 18 years ago, has concluded. German and Portuguese investigators combed scrubland and abandoned buildings in the Lagos municipality. While official results are pending, an officer suggested nothing significant was found. The search was approved by Portuguese prosecutors via a European warrant, focusing on an area between Madeleine's disappearance site and where prime suspect Christian Brückner was staying. Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, marked the 18th anniversary of her disappearance last month.
Madeleine McCann search in Portugal ends after three days
Madeleine McCann disappearancePortugal
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A three-day search for Madeleine McCann in Portugal, near where she disappeared 18 years ago, has concluded. German and Portuguese investigators combed scrubland and abandoned buildings in the Lagos municipality. While official results are pending, an officer suggested nothing significant was found. The search was approved by Portuguese prosecutors via a European warrant, focusing on an area between Madeleine's disappearance site and where prime suspect Christian Brückner was staying. Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, marked the 18th anniversary of her disappearance last month.
Trending- 1 3 May 2007: Madeleine McCann disappeared in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
- 2 2007 onwards: Case initially handled by Portuguese authorities with aid from Metropolitan Police.
- 3 2020: German police took the lead, identifying Christian Brückner as prime suspect.
- 4 2000-2017: Christian Brückner spent time in the same part of Portugal.
- 5 Last month (May 2025): Kate and Gerry McCann marked the 18th anniversary of their daughter's disappearance.
- 6 Recent days (ending June 5, 2025): Three-day fresh search conducted by German and Portuguese investigators in Portugal.
- 7 September (unspecified year): Christian Brückner could be released from prison for an unrelated rape case.
- No significant findings reported yet, but the investigation continues.
- Christian Brückner remains the prime suspect for German authorities.
What: A fresh, three-day search for Madeleine McCann in Portugal has ended, with German and Portuguese investigators concluding their operations.
When: Search ended after three days, on Thursday (June 5, 2025) at about 17:15 local time. Madeleine disappeared on 3 May 2007 (18 years ago). German police took the lead in 2020. Christian Brückner could be released as early as September (unspecified year). Last month (May 2025) marked the 18th anniversary.
Where: Praia da Luz, Lagos municipality, Atalaia, Portugal.
Why: To find new evidence related to Madeleine McCann's disappearance, focusing on areas near where she vanished and where prime suspect Christian Brückner was staying.
How: German and Portuguese investigators used pitchforks, pick-axes, shovels, and a digger to comb scrubland and abandoned buildings. Tents and specialist equipment were used. The search was approved by Portuguese prosecutors via a European warrant.