The parents of missing Madeleine McCann have said they welcome news of a formal suspect in her disappearance being named, adding they still remain hopeful that they will see their daughter again.
The couple issued a statement after Portuguese officials confirmed that German paedophile Christian Brueckner had been identified as a "arguido" (defendant) in the case, which remains unsolved 15 years after the then three-year-old vanished. Madeleine has not been seen since May 3, 2007, while her family were on holiday in Portugal.
Brueckner's lawyer Friedrich Fuelscher said that officials in Portugal had taken the measures against his client and that they should not be "overrated". He added: "Without knowing the Portuguese legal situation in detail, I assume that this measure is a procedural artifice to stop the statute of limitations threatening in a few days."
Read more: Madeleine McCann disappearance may finally be solved says former police officer
Ever since her disappearance, the toddler's parents Gerry and Kate, who is from Huyton, have been stringently trying to locate their daughter. Following recent developments, the couple issued a statement at around 6pm today (April 22).
The statement signed "Kate and Gerry" said: "We welcome the news that the Portuguese authorities have declared a German man an ‘arguido’ in relation to the disappearance of our beloved daughter Madeleine. This reflects progress in the investigation, being conducted by the Portuguese, German and British authorities. We are kept informed of developments by the Metropolitan Police.
"It is important to note the ‘arguido’ has not yet been charged with any specific crime related to Madeleine’s disappearance. Even though the possibility may be slim, we have not given up hope that Madeleine is still alive and we will be reunited with her."
Brueckner, 45, was first named in the summer of 2020 as a prime suspect by German police, after mobile phone records placed him in Praia da Luz on the night Maddie vanished. But despite further extensive inquiries he has never been charged.
Recently, the Portuguese authorities confirmed that they will continue their inquiries amid reports that Scotland Yard’s Operation Grange investigation will be wound up this autumn.
Brueckner is currently serving a rape sentence at a high security prison in Oldenburg, northwest Germany. He also still faces charges for the rape of Irish national Hazel Behan in Portugal in 2004. German paper Bild revealed the latest development of the long running mystery.
Maddie disappeared in May 2007 from a holiday apartment as her parents, from Rothley, Leicestershire, enjoyed a tapas meal nearby. This all comes after fears the 15-year limit on prosecutions meant the perpetrators behind Maddie's disappearance might have gotten away with it.
