
The Daily T: New search for evidence against Madeleine McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner
The case captured the world's attention back in 2007 and has continued to pop up in headlines ever since. But the disappearance of Madeleine McCann remains a mystery.
Now German authorities have launched a fresh search in southern Portugal for evidence of what happened to the British toddler.
Police are in a race against time to charge the prime suspect, convicted paedophile Christian Brueckner, who is currently in prison in Germany on a separate conviction – but plans to disappear when he is released in September.
Camilla and Gordon look back on one of the most widely reported missing-persons cases in British history, and get an update on the new search from crime editor Martin Evans.
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Edinburgh Live
19 minutes ago
- Edinburgh Live
Man who knew Madeleine McCann suspect makes dramatic plea to police during search
A man with knowledge of Madeleine McCann's main suspect, Christian Brueckner, has urgently called on the cops to reconsider their hunt, hinting they're looking in the wrong spot. Ken Ralphs revealed to GB News how he thought someone believed to be Brueckner's mate broke down as he admitted being involved in a scheme to nab a child in Praia de Luz. Speaking to GB News, Ralphs said: "He cried that he needed the money to get out the country with his family and children and that's why he got involved." Ralphs has identified what he reckons is the last place Brueckner stayed before Madeleine vanished, urging the detectives to switch their focus there, as reported by the Express. Worn out by long years of nothing being done, he expressed: "For over 18 years, I've pressed the police and all they can do is blame each other for not passing this information on," reports the Manchester Evening News. Police continue to scour several derelict structures and a farmstead near Praia da Luz, where wee Madeleine McCann was last seen while on a break with her folks and siblings. June 4 marked day two of the renewed trawl for the missing Madeleine McCann, who went missing at the age of three while in the vicinity. Brit and Portuguese coppers are working alongside firefighters as they rifle through sites for clues that could link prime suspect Brueckner to the case. The search was kicked off following a request from Germany's federal police. Brueckner is presently incarcerated for the rape of a 72 year old woman in Praia da Luz in 2005, but is set to be released from prison in September if no additional charges are presented.


BreakingNews.ie
19 minutes ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Nato set to approve new military purchases as part of a defence spending hike
Nato defence ministers are set to approve purchasing targets for stocking up on weapons and military equipment to better defend Europe, the Arctic and the North Atlantic, as part of a US push to ramp up security spending. The 'capability targets' lay out goals for each of the 32 nations to purchase priority equipment such as air defence systems, long-range missiles, artillery, ammunition, drones and 'strategic enablers' such as air-to-air refuelling, heavy air transport and logistics. Advertisement Each nation's plan is classified, so details are scarce. 'Today we decide on the capability targets. From there, we will assess the gaps we have, not only to be able to defend ourselves today, but also three, five, seven years from now,' Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte said. 'All these investments have to be financed,' he told reporters before chairing the meeting at Nato's Brussels headquarters. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers a statement ahead of the meeting at Nato headquarters in Brussels on Thursday (Virginia Mayo/AP) US President Donald Trump and his Nato counterparts will meet on June 24-25 to agree to new defence investment goals. Advertisement US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that 'to be an alliance, you've got to be more than flags. You got to be more than conferences. You need to keep combat ready capabilities'. Spurred on by their own security concerns, European allies and Canada have already been ramping up military spending, including arms and ammunition purchases, since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At the same time, some allies balk at US demands to invest 5% of their gross domestic product in defence – 3.5% on core military spending and 1.5% on the roads, bridges, airfields and sea ports needed to deploy armies more quickly – when they have already struggled to grow their budgets to 2% of GDP. The new targets are assigned by Nato based on a blueprint agreed upon in 2023 – the military organisation's biggest planning shake-up since the Cold War — to defend its territory from an attack by Russia or another major adversary. Advertisement Under those plans, Nato would aim to have up to 300,000 troops ready to move to its eastern flank within 30 days, although experts suggest the allies would struggle to muster those kinds of numbers. The member countries are assigned roles in defending Nato territory across three major zones – the high north and Atlantic area, a zone north of the Alps, and another in southern Europe. Nato planners believe that the targets must be met within five to 10 years, given the speed at which Russia is building its armed forces now, and which would accelerate were any peace agreement reached to end its war on Ukraine. Some fear Russia might be ready to strike at a Nato country even sooner, especially if Western sanctions are eased and Europe has not prepared. Advertisement 'Are we going to gather here again and say 'OK, we failed a bit', and then maybe we start learning Russian?' Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene said. Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson also warned that while Russia is bogged down in Ukraine right now, things could quickly change. 'We also know after an armistice or a peace agreement, of course, Russia is going to allocate more forces closer to our vicinity. Therefore, it's extremely important that the alliance use these couple of years now when Russia is still limited by its force posture in and around Ukraine,' Mr Jonson said. If the targets are respected, the member countries will need to spend at least 3% of GDP on defence. Advertisement Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said his country calculates in the medium term that 'we should spend 3.5% at least on defence, which in the Netherlands means an additional 16 to 19 billion euro (£13-16 billion) addition to our current budget.' The Netherlands is likely to buy more tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and long-range missile systems, including US-made Patriots that can target aircraft, cruise missiles and shorter-range ballistic missiles.


Daily Mail
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Next's best new-in home finds that look way more expensive than they are - with prices from £8
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