25 May 2023 , 16:36
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Material found during the three-day search into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann will now be analysed by investigators, police say - with a source now reporting they were looking for a gun and camcorder belonging to the suspect.
Officers confirmed this afternoon searches the Barragem do Arade in Portugal yielded "the collection of some material" and these items will be subject to "competent expertise".
They spent three days scouring a remote reservoir after "certain tips" were given to German prosecutors about the case - with fresh information now suggesting officers were looking for a gun and camcorder.
They were allegedly stolen from prime suspect Christian Brueckner's house, the Mail reports.
Personnel at Barragem do Arade reservoir as searches there continued for three days (PA)A criminal informer tipped off German prosecutors that items taken in the 2007 raid at Brueckner's isolated home were then thrown into the reservoir.
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Police are desperate to find the video camera as they believe it may contain images of Madeleine, but also of other sex attacks Brueckner is said to have carried out on at least two unidentified women.
The informer has backed up information from key witnesses Manfred Seyferth and another man called Helge Busching, who have already told German investigators they broke into the house while Brueckner was in jail.
Madeleine McCann vanished in May 2007 in Portugal (PA)Seyferth said the pair had found a gun and a video camera at the isolated house in Floral where Brueckner lived, a few miles from the reservoir at Silves on Portugal's Algarve, the focus of the latest police search.
They made the statement minutes after the operation at the reservoir and dam concluded.
Investigators had, reports tonight claim, been looking for a gun and camcorder stolen from prime suspect Christian Brueckner's house.
Portuguese Judicial Police criminal investigation unit members remove a tent near the reservoir (AFP via Getty Images)
Search teams centred their focus on the reservoir (Phil Harris)The force's full release reads: "Following the statement of May 22, 2023, the Judiciary Police informs that the steps requested by the German authorities, through a request for international cooperation, have been fulfilled, which resulted in the collection of some material that will be subject to the competent expertise. The operation was coordinated by the Judiciary Police, which involved investigators, criminal experts and security personnel.
"The works had the participation of the German authorities (BKA) and were attended by British authorities (MPS).
"It also had the collaboration of the Faro Command of the National Republican Guard in various aspects, as well as the Regional Command of Emergency and Civil Protection of the Algarve and the Municipality of Silves, with regard to the logistics necessary for the development of the works.
"Safeguarding the interests of the investigation still underway in Portugal, the collected material will be delivered to the German authorities."
The authorities have said materials will now be taken to Germany for testing.
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Holes dug by police hunting for evidence in the case have been left around 2ft deep by officers who have now departed.
Huge piles of soil were left next to the concentrated digging area.
The surrounding woodland showed pathways had been cut by heavy machinery, leading to the main flattened 160 square foot excavation area.