After a year digging into Brueckner, it’s clear why German cops suspect him — and why they’re desperate to keep him from slipping away

AFTER the airing of our exclusive investigation into the Madeleine McCann case on Channel 4 – the audience reaction was overwhelming.

Millions tuned in to see our revelations on the prime suspect over her disappearance Christian Brueckner.

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Prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case Christian Brueckner pictured in court in Braunschweig, GermanyCredit: Dan Charity

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And it quickly became clear – very few people had any idea over the extent of what the convicted paedophile and rapist might be capable of.

Despite denying any involvement in Maddie’s disappearance, we need to remind ourselves, he is currently on course to walk free in September – in a matter of some 15 weeks.

And THAT is why the development of this new search in Portugal must be welcomed.

No dig for the remains of a child can not should ever be greeted with happiness. Of course not.

The plight of Maddie is heartbreaking for us all – nevermind how impossible it must be for her dedicated family to consider.

But justice must be done in such appalling circumstances, mustn’t it?

For Christian Brueckner to be formally charged – and for there to be a realistic prospect of a conviction in Germany – prosecutors still want to find forensic evidence.

That is the Holy Grail they still seek.

After looking into Brueckner for the past year I understand why German police hold him under such strong suspicion – and why they are desperate to stop him slipping from their grip.

We have presented the circumstantial evidence – Brueckner’s obsession with snatching children and evidence he was at the location of an all-but-confession when he allegedly let slip “she didn’t scream,” referring to Maddie.

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The police can also place his mobile phone in the area of Praia da Luz on the night of May 3 when Madeleine vanished – the same village where Brueckner is convicted of raping a woman in 2005.

But it is forensic evidence that still needs to tie him to the case. And that is what these new searches endeavour to unearth.

Following a tip-off German federal agents are hopeful some DNA, a strand from Maddie’s pyjamas or any other clue might have fallen into street works – or even been deliberately buried near the village.

Detectives are realistic, they know this is a longshot.

But with Christian Brueckner set to walk free on September 17 it is one they know they need to take.

As one German investigator told me: “Now, more than ever we must make sure – no stone is left unturned.”

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Police set up tents in preparation for the search for Madeleine McCannCredit: Solarpix

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Police were closing dirt roads in the Atalaia area near Praia da Luz where the search will mainly take placeCredit: Solarpix