Scroll down to see a timeline of events in the tragic case
GERMAN investigators want British cops to reopen their live investigation into Madeleine McCann before the prime suspect walks free.
They believe that help from the Met’s Operation Grange team could be crucial ahead of Christian Brueckner’s release from jail later this year.
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German investigators want British cops to reopen their live investigation into Madeleine McCannCredit: PA
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Madeleine’s parents Gerry and Kate McCannCredit: AP
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Convicted paedophile Christian Brueckner is set to be released from jail later this yearCredit: Darren Fletcher
Currently the UK team staffs hotlines and monitors new tip-offs on Madeleine’s disappearance.
But their German counterparts want them to play a bigger role to help secure a successful prosecution.
A source said: “There is huge interest in Germany in the British stepping up their investigation again.
“The clock is against the case here and investigators do not want to see Brueckner walk free.
“Their best option could be intervention from UK cops – but they have to be prepared to take it on.
“There are 20,000 pages of Madeleine evidence and the Germans are ready to translate the lot.”
Convicted paedophile Brueckner is scheduled to be released on September 17 – just 19 weeks away — from his current prison sentence for rape.
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The motorhome that belonged to BruecknerCredit: Dan Charity
Fears have been growing among prosecutors that an appeal which would keep Brueckner behind bars will not be granted in time.
Their back-up plan has been to charge Brueckner over the disappearance of Madeleine, then three, from Portugal’s Praia da Luz in May 2007.
But they fear a lack of forensic evidence may be frowned on by the same courts that cleared him of child abuse and rape claims last year.
The latest development comes after a Sun investigation aired on Channel 4 tonight revealed new evidence found at Brueckner’s lair in Germany.
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A haul of disturbing material included child-abduction stories written by Brueckner, plus chilling Skype chats with other paedophiles.
Kids’ swimming costumes and toys were also found, along with guns, ammo and chemicals.
There were also creepy photos of Brueckner, including nude, at the Arade Dam, a key search location for Madeleine.
Madeleine’s parents Gerry and Kate were made aware of our findings before publication.
Operation Grange was granted £108,000 in public funding last month to keep it running for another year.
It continues to treat Madeleine as a missing person.
However German investigators say they have “physical” proof she is dead.
Last October, lead prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters stated they believe Brueckner kidnapped and murdered her.
This position remains the same, The Sun can confirm.
A source in Germany said: “As a starting point the Brits would need to apply in writing for evidence.
“There is a legal procedure to follow.”
The Met said Operation Grange was open to any evidence that can be provided.
A spokesperson added: “We continue to support Madeleine’s family to understand what happened on the evening of 3 May, 2007 in Praia da Luz.
“This includes working with our colleagues in Germany and Portugal.
“Our thoughts remain with the family.”
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Here’s a timeline of the case which has gripped the world.
May 3, 2007
Madeleine McCann disappears from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, sparking a massive police search and becoming one of the most famous missing persons cases in history.
January 15, 2016
Neighbour reports a possible ‘grave’ at Brueckner’s abandoned factory in East Germany.
Cops find disturbing images on USB sticks and launch a full-scale search.
February 16, 2016
Christian Brueckner is convicted for abusing a girl of five in a park after images found on his laptop.
He was sentenced to 15-months behind bars but was already on the run by then.
May 3, 2017
Around this time, Helge B calls an information hotline after watching a ten-year anniversary special on the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.
He reports an alleged confession by Christian Brueckner.
September 27, 2018
On-the-run Christian Brueckner is arrested over outstanding drugs claims in Italy.
He is extradited to Germany the following year.
December 16, 2019
Christian Brueckner was convicted, in Germany, for the 2005 rape of an American woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal, after his DNA was matched to a hair found on her bed.
He was sentenced to seven years behind bars.
June 4, 2020
German prosecutors reveal to the world they have a suspect in custody under investigation for the abduction of Madeleine McCann.
For the first time they claim Madeleine is dead.
German media later name him as Christian B (Christian Brueckner).
June 23, 2023
In his first interview, witness Helge B alleges to German newspaper Bild that Christian Brueckner all-but-confessed the Madeleine abduction to him, by allegedly saying “she didn’t scream” as they talked about the case, at a music festival, in Spain.
February 16, 2024
Brueckner goes on trial accused of none-McCann allegations of rape and sex assault, in Braunschweig, Germany.
Prosecutors hope for a conviction to keep him behind bars permanently and lead to McCann charges.
October 8, 2024
Brueckner was acquitted of all claims.
Prosecutors launch an appeal, however. Decision pending.
September 17, 2025
Date on which Christian Brueckner will be released from custody without action being taken.
Prosecutors require an arrest warrant for a retrial over claims from last year – or over the McCann case.
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