Photos found at the home of the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's disapperance led to today's search of the Barragem do Arade reservoir.
Police began the search today, some 16 years after the youngster went missing. German authorities found photographs of the Barragem do Arade reservoir when Christian Brueckner was arrested six years ago, it today emerged.
The convicted sex offender is currently in a German jail for a rape he committed in Portugal in 2005, two years before Madeleine disappeared in the country.
Separately, Brueckner is under investigation on suspicion of murder in the McCann case but hasn’t been charged.
German police obtained the videos and photos, thought to have been found buried in the paedophile’s “secret lair” in a dilapidated factory site in the German village of Neuwegersleben, 65 miles south-east of Hanover.
Prosecutors today gave a fresh update about the new searches for Madeleine.
A well-placed police source said: “Portuguese police are going to carry out a thorough and very careful search of the area today.
“Policia Judiciaria officers are going to be divided into four teams who will focus on a land search. It will be very meticulous and exhaustive.
“Forget the idea of big trucks and large machinery. A lot of the work that’s going to be done here today will be done by hand with backup technology.”
The insider said there was no plan to bring in sniffer dogs today and did not comment on local reports boats with sonar equipment would comb certain stretches of the water.
High-tech equipment used to detect human remains buried under the earth, as well as underwater if required, is expected to be used.
German prosecutors have released a new statement today, confirming they are working with the Portuguese law enforcement authorities with the support of officers of the [German] Federal Criminal Police Office after tip-offs.
German prosecutor Christian Wolter said: "We are investigating in Portugal on the basis of certain tips (tip-offs)."
Speaking to the Mirror hours after fresh searches for missing Madeleine began in Portugal, 16 years after she went missing, a cop who worked on the original case said: "I absolutely believe that during my lifetime we will find out what happened to Maddie."
Jim Gamble, former police officer and child safety expert, said German police "clearly know something."
The 63-year-old said: "They have not shared specific reasons with the public, as you don't want to give your suspect any more information than you have to until you're ready to charge them."
