How police were led to Madeleine McCann evidence on suspect’s property that ‘suggested she is dead’

Warning: This article contains discussion of child abuse which some readers may find distressing

Earlier today, it was revealed that newly-released evidence had emerged in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Some 18 years ago, Madeleine went missing from the Praia da Luz hotel apartment in Portugal, where she was on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry, and her twin siblings, Sean and Amelie.

Despite years of investigations into Maddie's disappearance, what happened to the toddler has never been determined.

In the latest update in the case, a hard drive was found at a disused factory bought by the prime suspect in the McCann investigation - German native Christian Brueckner - which reportedly 'contains evidence she is dead'.

The toddler was just three when she disappeared (PA)

According to The Telegraph, German prosecutors believe Brueckner killed the three-year-old after she vanished during the family holiday.

An investigation by The Sun claims that investigators in the case also discovered an insurance document which they say proves Brueckner was at a music festival where he is said to have confessed to being behind her death.

In 2023, 'Helge B' - an acquaintance of Brueckner whose full name has not been released - claimed that they had been at a festival in Spain when Brueckner asked him if he still travelled to Portugal, to which he said that there were now too many police checks since Madeleine's disappearance.

"I don't understand anyway how the little girl could disappear without a trace," Helge B said he told Brueckner.

Brueckner reportedly replied: "She didn't even scream."

Madeleine McCann went missing from her hotel apartment in Portugal (VASCO CELIO/AFP via Getty Images)

Masks, unlicensed guns and ammunition, children’s toys, and bikes were allegedly found at Brueckner's hideaway, despite him having no children himself, while as many as 75 children's swimming costumes were also discovered.

It is reported that German police also found USB sticks and memory cards.

The Sun reports that in one, Brueckner 'described drugging a mother and daughter outside a nursery school'.

Child abuse images of four and five-year-old girls were also said to have been found during the searches.

Sickening Skype conversations were found, including one in which he allegedly said he wanted to 'capture something small and use it for days'.

Christian Brueckner is the lead suspect in the case (MICHAEL MATTHEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

But how did the police find the location where the evidence was hidden?

The factory had not been discovered until a dog reportedly ran inside and sniffed out a grave, belonging to Brueckner's own dog.

According to The Sun, hidden below the dead animal were the USB sticks and memory cards, which prompted them to make a full search of the property.

This alleged new evidence is understood to be the focal point of a new Channel 4 documentary - Madeleine McCann: The Unseen Evidence - which is set to air this evening (Wednesday, 7 May).

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, 10am-8pm Monday to Friday. If you are a child seeking advice and support, call Childline for free on 0800 1111, 24/7.