German authorities 'make plea' to Met Police as evidence is found in Madeleine McCann suspect's lair

German investigators have sent a message out to the Metropolitan Police with regards to the case of Madeleine McCann, reports have said.

The three-year-old went missing on 7 May 2007 from a holiday apartment in Praia de Luz, Portugal, with Christian Brueckner being named as the long-time prime suspect in the British toddler's mysterious disappearance.

Brueckner is a convicted rapist that has been acquitted of sex crime charges in a separate case, with his release expected on 17 September this year. He has denied any involvement in the McCann case, and there have been no formal charges issued against him.

In light of this, German authorities were said to be 'rushing' to find charges against him in the Madeline McCann case.

In 2016, police found evidence in a disused factory belonging to Brueckner in Germany, which included masks, unlicensed guns and ammunition, children’s toys and bikes.

A hard drive of images on the suspect's computer was also discovered, as well as a suitcase of images of young girls, 75 children's swimming costumes, a list of phone numbers, and an address book.

There were also handwritten accounts from Brueckner where he disturbingly described his fantasies of kidnapping women and children, among other evidence.

But now, German investigators are reportedly urging British authorities to reopen their investigation into McCann's disappearance before Brueckner can be freed from prison.

A report in The Sun claims that they believe that the Met's Operation Grange team can be influential in charging the suspect before his release.

Speaking to the publication, a source said: “There is huge interest in Germany in the British stepping up their investigation again. The clock is against the case here and investigators do not want to see Brueckner walk free.”

McCann, who would now be 21, has been missing since 2007 (PA)

Going on, the source added: “Their best option could be intervention from UK cops - but they have to be prepared to take it on.

“There are 20,000 pages of Madeleine evidence and the Germans are ready to translate the lot.”

Brueckner's expected release date of 17 September is less than 20 weeks away, so work would have to be swift if their goal is to be achieved.

According to The Sun, the Met says Operation Grange is open to any evidence that can be provided, with a spokesperson telling LADbible: "We continue to support Madeleine’s family to understand what happened on the evening of 3 May, 2007 in Praia da Luz.

"This includes working with our colleagues in Germany and Portugal. Our thoughts remain with the family."

Brueckner was cleared of two sexual abuse and rape charges in an unrelated case in 2024.

The news comes after a documentary on the investigation, a joint venture between The Sun and Channel 4, was released last night (7 May) and looked at the evidence found in Brueckner's factory in Germany.

Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry, have urged authorities over the years to continue their investigations (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Disturbing material was found in his bolthole, including creepy Skype chats with suspected paedophiles, toys, chemicals, and unlicensed guns and ammo.

Police also supposedly have proof that reveals that Brueckner was at a festival in April 2008, claiming that he did kill McCann to a friend, saying she 'did not scream'.

There were chilling nude photos of the suspect at the Arade Dam, a key search location for McCann.

Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, previously said in a statement to People in 2020: "All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.

"We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know, as we need to find peace."