Madeleine McCann latest: New search for British girl who went missing in 2007 under way in Portugal

Sky News

2 days ago

08:21:01
Last search for Madeleine was in 2023
German authorities last carried out searches in 2023, near the Barragem do Arade reservoir.
That's about 30 miles from Praia da Luz, and you can see in the map below how far that is from the current search, with teams in Atalaia.
Suspect Christian B, who spent time in the area between 2000 and 2017, had photographs and videos of himself near the reservoir there (read more about him in the post below this one).
That's where the previous search was focused.
It was previously searched in 2008 after Portuguese lawyer Marcos Aragao Correia paid divers following claims Madeleine's body was there.
For more on that search, click on the link below for our eyewitness report at the time...
08:06:01
Who is the suspect in the case?
Christian B, who cannot be fully identified under German law, is coming to the end of his sentence for the rape of an elderly American woman in Praia da Luz in 2005.
He has not been charged or indicted over Madeleine McCann's appearance and denies any involvement.
In October, he was acquitted on rape and indecent assault charges in a trial in Germany - which also heard references to his status as the main suspect in the McCann case.
However, a German prosecutor told Sky News in January he wouldn't face charges in the foreseeable future.
07:52:09
Watch: Latest from scene of police search
Our correspondent Dan Whitehead got within metres of the operational tents set up by police in Portugal, and spoke to one of the officers.
Here's what he had to say - and what kind of conditions search teams are working with...
07:43:01
Police expected to use radar equipment - how the search will be done
Around 30 German police officers, including forensic experts, will start searching today.
According to reports, Portuguese police will also be on the ground.
While the UK's Metropolitan Police is "aware of the searches" carried out by the BKA (German federal police), British officers will not be involved.
"The Metropolitan Police Service is not present at the search, we will support our international colleagues where necessary," the force added.
As part of the search, radar equipment that can scan underground will be used, giving officers the chance to penetrate at a depth of 15ft.
Our partner in the country, SIC Noticias, said authorities are looking for Madeleine's body or a sign she may have once been there.
07:29:01
Watch: What we know about the new McCann search
Despite multiple searches over the years, Madeleine McCann has not been found.
But police hope the latest search will at least get them closer to the truth.
Our correspondent Alice Porter breaks down what we know about today's operation in 80 seconds.
07:16:56
In pictures: Search teams set up in Portugal
Our correspondent Dan Whitehead is at the scene now, where police have set up tents for the search.
This is in Atalaia - where suspect Christian B had lived - and you can see where that is in relation to Praia da Luz in the map at the bottom of this post.
07:07:37
Where is the search taking place?
German officers are honing in on more than 20 plots of land in the east of Praia da Luz.
It's an area stretching to the cottage where suspect Christian B - who can't be named in full - lived, and close to where Madeleine McCann disappeared.
Yesterday, Portuguese police reportedly closed off dirt roads in the area.
Meanwhile, tents have been set up in nearby Atalaia, near the cottage where Christian B once lived.
It's likely they'll search groundworks, including wells, ruins and water storage tanks.