Investigators compare soil samples from the Algarve with dirt found on suspect Madeleine McCann’s van

Investigators are comparing soil samples collected during the recent search for Madeleine McCann with dirt found on the prime suspect’s RV, it has been found.

Detectives last month searched the remote Barragem do Arade reservoir in the Algarve, Portugal, where they believe prime suspect Christian Brueckner had been in the days following the young girl’s disappearance.

Police cleared an area of ​​approximately 160 square meters of forest near the reservoir and dug eight deep holes to collect soil samples that were sent for forensic examination. During the search, the officers found a ‘number of items’.

Authorities now believe they have a good chance of proving Brueckner’s van was in the area at the time of Madeleine’s abduction, sources told The Daily Mirror.

The insider claims that if the analysis of the soil sample shows a “positive match”, the police may be able to further “close” the net around Brueckner, 45, who has not yet been charged and denies involvement in the girl’s disappearance.

Authorities now think they have a good chance of proving that Brueckner’s van was in the area at the time of Madeleine’s abduction, sources say. Researchers are photographed on May 25 at the search site in Silves, Portugal

Madeleine McCann (left) was taken from a vacation apartment on May 3, 2007. Police have identified Christian Brueckner (right) as the prime suspect in her disappearance. He has not yet been charged and denies any involvement

German prosecutors first linked Brueckner to the Portuguese beauty spot after photos — which have not been made public — linked him to the area.

Clearly, evidence that he visited the reservoir in May 2007 could be “critical” in tying him to Madeleine’s case.

A source claimed that police are focusing on ‘proving by soil sample analysis’ that Brueckner’s VW T3 Westfalia was in Barragem do Arade around the time Madeleine was taken.

“A positive match of the Earth they already have off the vehicle with the Earth they removed during the search last week will be another important piece of evidence against him,” the insider told the newspaper.

The individual added that it would be a “slight setback” if the lab doesn’t find a match, but claims “researchers remain hopeful.”

The reservoir is 50 kilometers from the holiday apartment where three-year-old Madeleine was taken on May 3, 2007.

Scotland Yard is reportedly notifying her parents Kate and Gerry McCann, of Rothley, Leicestershire, of the German authorities’ investigation.

A source claimed that police are focusing on ‘demonstrating through soil sample analysis’ that Brueckner’s VW T3 Westfalia (pictured) was in Barragem do Arade around the time Madeleine was taken

The insider added it would be a “slight setback” if the lab doesn’t find a match, but claims “researchers remain hopeful.” Authorities are pictured on the search site on May 25

Several items have been removed from the site, which may or may not be relevant to the investigation of Madeleine’s disappearance. They include a bra strap, clothing items, and plastic items. The photo shows German and Portuguese researchers dismantling the base camp at the end of the three-day search on May 25.

The three-day search last month was carried out by Portuguese police with the help of German and British colleagues.

Police had said they found a “relevant clue” during their search for the beauty spot after an informant was able to match photos showing Brueckner close to the reservoir.

Several items have been removed from the site, which may or may not be relevant to the investigation of Madeleine’s disappearance. They include a bra strap, clothing items, and plastic items.

German prosecutors revealed in June 2020 that they were investigating Brueckner and had “concrete evidence” that he killed Madeleine.

In their statement following the search, prosecutors said the investigation of the 46-year-old suspect is expected to “take some time.”

Madeleine McCann (pictured) was three when she went missing from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in 2007

Despite a massive international manhunt, no trace of McCann has been found and no one has been charged in her disappearance.

According to the police, Brueckner lived in the Algarve between 1995 and 2007, where he made a living doing odd jobs and breaking into hotel rooms and holiday apartments.

It has also been reported that he regularly spent time near the reservoir outside the small inland town of Silves.

The police already combed the site in 2008, but according to media reports, divers found only animal remains at that time.