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Portuguese police scouring a reservoir in the Madeleine McCann search have been told they are to “stand down” at 4pm today. This likely signals the end of the search in the Barragem do Arade area by the National Republican Guard (GNR), 30 miles from Praia da Luz, where the then-three-year-old vanished in 2007.
A source said: “The GNR has received instructions to stand down at 4pm local time.” The GNR is one of the two Portuguese police forces which have been scouring the reservoir and surrounding area.
At present, it is unclear as to the plans of the other force, the Policia Judiciaria. Forensics scouring the area have been looking for pink Winnie the Pooh ‘Eeyore’ pyjamas, it has been reported.
Water levels at the desolate location, described by cops’ chief suspect in the case as his “little paradise”, are currently very low because of a drought in the area that’s made search conditions ideal.
Officials from Portugal, Germany and the UK have been in attendance and officers have been spotted using pickaxes to search the ground and combing through small rocks with rakes and spades.
The activity has been the first major search in the case since 2014. Braunschweig prosecutor Christian Wolters said it was prompted by “certain tips” but would not elaborate on the source.
The search was always due to go ahead for three days, but there had been questions raised over whether or not investigators would extend this time.
The spotlight on the five mile reservoir was reportedly sparked by the discovery of new pictures and videos, showing prime suspect in the case, Christian Brueckner, at the scene.
Among the action on the reservoir, divers have been seen in an inflatable boat, with the focus appearing to be at one end of the reservoir, where tents had been pitched up.
READ MORE: Inside first 24 hours of new search for Maddie McCann at remote reservoir
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell said: “The Met continues to work with and support colleagues in Portugal and Germany, with their investigations into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.
“Met officers will be in Portugal and I am grateful to the Policia Judiciaria and Bundeskriminalamt for allowing us to be present whilst their work is ongoing, so that we can inform Madeleine’s family of any developments.”
Brueckner, a convicted sex offender, reportedly spent time in the area between 2000 and 2017. He has denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
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