Madeleine McCann cops probe ‘gun found during Praia search' after Brueckner had owned pistols
MADELEINE McCann cops were investigating two objects uncovered during their search described by local media as 'guns'.
Portuguese daily newspaper Correio da Manha reported two firearms had been found in the area of scrubland above Praia da Luz, searched last week.
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One of the handguns was dismissed as 'irrelevant' to the McCann investigation and linked to another probe.
The other weapon, found in a well, was said to be more modern. Both were described as rusty and historic with cops expecting neither to hold Maddie links.
However, prime suspect Christian Brueckner, 48, is said to have carried a gun during his time in the Algarve.
A Sun investigation revealed he previously owned two antique pistols.
A Portuguese investigator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of the gun reports: 'The objects found are very old and very rusty.
'I'd describe them almost as archeological artefacts.'
Another well-placed insider added: 'One has already been ruled out as having any connection to the Maddie inquiry.
'A separate investigation is underway to try to establish how it ended up where it did and what exactly it is.'
Reports claimed all the objects and samples taken from the search were set to be tested in Portuguese capital Lisbon.
Sources in Germany said anything of value would be retained by German investigation leads.
Luis Neves, the National Director of the Policia Judiciaria police force insisted last Friday the searches had 'not been in vain' despite the apparent lack of results.
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