Portuguese police apologise to Madeleine McCann's parents over their treatment as detectives say paedophile Christian Brueckner is their prime suspect and missing toddler died in Portugal
Daily MailPortuguese police have apologised to Madeleine McCann's parents over their investigation into the missing toddler's case. In the immediate aftermath of the little girl's disappearance her parent's Gerry and Kate McCann were made 'arguidos' - or suspects - by the Portuguese police. Madeleine McCann went missing during a family holiday in the Algarve in May 2007, sparking a nationwide hunt The prime suspect in the ongoing case is 46-year-old German national Christian Brueckner Throughout the documentary, German prosecutors said they are sure the young child was killed, believing she died in Portugal Police officers have now told BBC's Panorama that a number of senior police travelled from Lisbon to London earlier this year to meet Madeleine's father Gerry McCann The couple's status as arguidos was lifted in 2008 but remained under suspicion in the country for years, mainly suggested by the investigation's original lead detective Goncalo Amaral. Pictured: The McCanns holding a poster in 2012 Police officers are continuing to investigate Maddie's disappearance, 16 years later Personnel at Barragem do Arade reservoir, in the Algarve, Portugal, as searches continue as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann Earlier this month it was reported that the suspect could face trial as early as February next year for a string of heinous crimes, which include three shocking rapes and two sex attacks on children.