'Major blow' to Maddie McCann probe for cops investigating Algarve dam site

25 June 2023 , 11:02

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Cops have been looking over evidence gathered from a reservoir 30 miles from Praia da Luz where Madeleine McCann disappeared on May 3, 2007 (Image: METROPOLITAN POLICE/AFP via Gett)

Cops looking into new evidence in the hunt for Madeleine McCann have hit a “roadblock” a source has said.

German prosecutors have spent the past two weeks carefully going over items found during their search of the Barragem do Arade reservoir in Portugal.

However a source close to the case has reportedly said that the new finds have failed to throw up any clues that would move the investigation forward.

A source: "Sadly, it’s looking increasingly like the search of the reservoir will not provide any answers or fresh leads.

"It’s too strong to say it was a waste of time, but officers are naturally really disappointed.

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German and Portuguese police investigators dismantle base camp at the end of the three-day search at Barragem do Arade Reservoir on May 25, 2023 (Getty Images)

"They hoped these items would present new clues that they could follow up.

"But despite using some of the most high-tech forensic kit available none of the items have proved to be of use," they told the Sun Online.

"It feels like a bit of a roadblock has been hit. However, there are still some items to carry out checks on and the police team will continue to work hard to do all they can to try and make sure no stone is left unturned in checking every single item seized from that reservoir."

Detectives descended on the reservoir, 30 miles from where three-year-old Madeleine went missing and scoured it for three days looking for clues.

The area had been a favourite hangout of Christian B, 46, who was named as the prime suspect in Maddie's disappearance in 2020.

A photo of Christian B., when he was arrested for drug trafficking in Italy (ITALIAN CARABINIERI PRESS OFFICE)

Cops flattened an area of woodland near the reservoir and dug holes in their hunt for clues at the spot Christian B once called his "little paradise”.

After the conclusion of the search Lead prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said the items seized as part of searches would be evaluated.

Police in Portugal confirmed that materials had been sent to Germany for testing.

Christian B is currently serving a seven-year sentence for the 2005 rape of a pensioner in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz but has denied any involvement in Maddie's disappearance.

Joe Smith