Police probing Madeleine McCann’s disappearance discovered a hard drive of images at suspect Christian Brueckner’s lair, it has emerged following further investigations
Police investigating Madeleine McCann’s disappearance continue to remain tight-lipped about a hard drive of images found at the lair of prime suspect Christian Brueckner.
The pictures are said to be part of a haul of new evidence which will be revealed publicly for the first time tonight in a documentary. German police searched Brueckner’s home and reportedly also discovered children’s clothes and guns.
But the hard drive is believed to be the most significant piece of evidence as it is believed to indicate why officers are sure Madeleine is dead. Yet, police are yet to tell reporters what the images on the hard drive show – and of whom, if anybody. It is anticipated the documentary on Channel 4 tonight will again shed no light on what police know about the photographs.
Brueckner, 48, was late last year cleared of rape charges in a separate case. The Mirror had a reporter in court for the majority of the trial, which heard the man subjected women to sex attacks in Praia da Luz, Portugal – where Madeleine vanished. However, a judge heard the evidence against him was “insufficient” – and he was acquitted.
But tonight’s programme shows police in Germany have reportedly discovered masks, chemicals and guns – in addition to the images and children’s clothes – at the man’s home. It is understood these pieces of evidence were found by chance at the disused factory Brueckner bought for the equivalent of £20,000 in 2008, the year after Madeleine disappeared.
In 2016, a dog ran on to the property and reportedly found a grave. Local police then discovered Brueckner’s dead dog – but underneath was a wallet with six USB sticks and two memory cards, it is thought. They contained highly disturbing material — and 100 cops launched a full search of the compound in Neuwegersleben, central Germany.
Only now – nine years after the operation – are police disclosing the extent of the finds – without details of the hard drive. Channel 4 has teamed up with The Sun to make the documentary, which is believed to highlight Brueckner’s alleged obsession with young children. The man has denied, though, any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
However, it is said police continue to investigate the hard drive and its pictures. The images were taken in Portugal, the documentary is set to confirm – and are believed to be crucial in persuading the investigators Madeleine died shortly after her disappearance in Praia da Luz in May 2007. Other vital information was found on a laptop handed to police, reports The Sun.
Brueckner is currently serving a seven-year prison term for raping an American pensioner in the Portuguese resort. As it stands, Brueckner’s sentence will be served on September 17, 2025, factoring in time served before his previous trial.
