The hunt for Madeleine McCann is winding down but three lessons are helping the search for other missing children
3 years ago

The hunt for Madeleine McCann is winding down but three lessons are helping the search for other missing children

ABC  

It was a warm night in mid spring and the Ocean Club resort on Portugal's far south coast was buzzing. The three most important influences drawn from the Madeleine McCann case according to Xanthe Mallett — a forensic anthropologist and criminologist from the University of Newcastle who specialises in the behaviour of paedophiles — are the early use of a strong image, the creation of a "perfect victim", and an investigation strategy that prioritises multiple lines of inquiry. The "mediatisation" of Madeleine McCann was helped further by the fact that social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter had just launched, in 2004 and 2007, offering novel new ways for promoting the story. "If something's happened to a child, I think that pretty much rocks everybody," Mallett says. "Millions of dollars have been poured into and it's unique in that sense because while every missing child deserves to be found, there are lots of missing children and very few of them receive this level of investment," Mallett says.

England Portugal Children Media Investigation Missing Search British Child Missing Children Hill Perfect Reuters German Her Daughter Kate Mccann Maddie Gerry Brueckner Gerry Mccann Madeleine Mccann Madeleine Disappearance William Tyrrell Mallett Cleo Smith  hunt  missing  lessons  investigation  mallett  gerry  child  media  madeleine  helping  disappearance  perfect  children  mccann  search  winding

History of this topic

Madeleine McCann police 'are rushing to charge prime suspect DAYS before he's set to walk free'
5 days, 13 hours ago

Madeleine McCann police 'are rushing to charge prime suspect DAYS before he's set to walk free'

Daily Mail  

Police are said to be urgently working to charge the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, fearing he could walk free in just days unless they act swiftly. Christian Brueckner, 48, is the main suspect in the disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann, who vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. With his release …

Madeleine McCann: Where are the missing girl’s family now as suspect Christian Brueckner cleared of rape charges?
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Madeleine McCann: Where are the missing girl’s family now as suspect Christian Brueckner cleared of rape charges?

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The girl’s parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, have refused to give up hope, recently …

Madeleine McCann private investigator to return to Praia da Luz
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Madeleine McCann private investigator to return to Praia da Luz

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The original private investigator hired …

Madeleine McCann: Former Met detective ‘very surprised’ if missing girl probe gets more funding in 2024
1 year, 3 months ago

Madeleine McCann: Former Met detective ‘very surprised’ if missing girl probe gets more funding in 2024

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A former Metropolitan Police detective …

Madeleine McCann update: Timeline of the missing child’s disappearance
1 year, 4 months ago

Madeleine McCann update: Timeline of the missing child’s disappearance

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Her parents, Kate McCann and Gerry McCann, posted a statement on the Find Madeleine …

Madeleine McCann suspect can be tried over separate alleged sex offences
1 year, 6 months ago

Madeleine McCann suspect can be tried over separate alleged sex offences

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The prime suspect in the …

Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner 'writes begging letters to former friends asking them to talk about what a "good guy" he is in bid to clear his name'
1 year, 6 months ago

Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner 'writes begging letters to former friends asking them to talk about what a "good guy" he is in bid to clear his name'

Daily Mail  

The German native is currently in prison for the rape of a woman, 72, in Portugal The prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has written begging letters to his former friends asking them to talk about what a 'good guy' he is in court in a bid to clear his name, it has been claimed. Christian Brueckner, the …

Detectives searching for Madeleine McCann give update after scouring reservoir
1 year, 8 months ago

Detectives searching for Madeleine McCann give update after scouring reservoir

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A large section of the Barragem do Arade reservoir …

How much has the Madeleine McCann investigation cost?
1 year, 9 months ago

How much has the Madeleine McCann investigation cost?

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sixteen years after Madeleine McCann vanished from the Algarve holiday …

Madeleine McCann: How search at reservoir unfolded – and what police found
1 year, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann: How search at reservoir unfolded – and what police found

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Hans Christian Wolters, prosecutor for the city of Braunschweig, …

Madeleine McCann police shouldn’t just focus on prime suspect, forensics expert warns
1 year, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann police shouldn’t just focus on prime suspect, forensics expert warns

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Forensics experts have warned investigators …

Madeleine McCann: British couple ‘found shrine’ at Portugal reservoir searched by police
1 year, 10 months ago

Madeleine McCann: British couple ‘found shrine’ at Portugal reservoir searched by police

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A British couple claim to have found a ‘shrine’ to …

Madeleine McCann police give update as they end search of Portugal reservoir
1 year, 10 months ago

Madeleine McCann police give update as they end search of Portugal reservoir

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police have said materials unearthed during a three-day hunt for …

Madeleine McCann reservoir search: What do we know about Portugal’s Barragem do Arade being searched by police?
1 year, 10 months ago

Madeleine McCann reservoir search: What do we know about Portugal’s Barragem do Arade being searched by police?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Madeleine McCann Hans Christian Wolters, …

Search of Portuguese dam in Madeleine McCann case draws to a close with little chance of breakthrough
1 year, 10 months ago

Search of Portuguese dam in Madeleine McCann case draws to a close with little chance of breakthrough

ABC  

Police on Thursday wrapped up the latest search effort in the 16-year-old hunt for missing British girl Madeleine McCann after collecting unspecified samples by a reservoir in Portugal, as a German prosecutor played down hopes of an imminent breakthrough. Key points: Police and sniffer dogs combed the Portuguese dam site for three days The collected material will be handed over …

Portugal police end latest search for clues into missing McCann child case, no results released
1 year, 10 months ago

Portugal police end latest search for clues into missing McCann child case, no results released

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police in Portugal have ended …

Watch as authorities continue search in reservoir for Madeleine McCann
1 year, 10 months ago

Watch as authorities continue search in reservoir for Madeleine McCann

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch =as Portuguese authorities search …

Madeleine McCann police cut down trees as they search suspect’s ‘little paradise’ in Portugal
1 year, 10 months ago

Madeleine McCann police cut down trees as they search suspect’s ‘little paradise’ in Portugal

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police have cut down trees and swathes of undergrowth as …

Police and sniffer dogs continue search for Madeleine McCann at Portuguese dam
1 year, 10 months ago

Police and sniffer dogs continue search for Madeleine McCann at Portuguese dam

ABC  

Police have carried out new searches at a reservoir in Portugal connected to the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann, who vanished from a resort in the Algarve region 16 years ago. Key points: German prosecutors gave few details about the search "for tactical investigative reasons" Christian Brueckner is being investigated in connection with the Madeleine McCann disappearance Madeleine, who …

Madeleine McCann: How far away was restaurant from reservoir police are searching?
1 year, 10 months ago

Madeleine McCann: How far away was restaurant from reservoir police are searching?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police resumed their search of …

Has Madeleine McCann been found? Police to search reservoir visited by key suspect Christian Brueckner
1 year, 10 months ago

Has Madeleine McCann been found? Police to search reservoir visited by key suspect Christian Brueckner

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police looking for Madeleine McCann …

Police to search reservoir near Madeleine McCann disappearance site
1 year, 10 months ago

Police to search reservoir near Madeleine McCann disappearance site

ABC  

Portuguese police will on Tuesday search a reservoir inland from where British three-year-old Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007. Key points: A road leading to the reservoir has been closed off The reservoir was searched in 2008 by privately hired divers Madeleine's family marked her 20th birthday earlier this month Portugal's Judicial Police released a statement confirming local media reports that …

Madeleine McCann’s parents issue statement 16 years after her disappearance
1 year, 10 months ago

Madeleine McCann’s parents issue statement 16 years after her disappearance

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The parents of Madeleine McCann have marked the 16th anniversary …

Madeleine McCann police apply for new cash boost to continue search
2 years ago

Madeleine McCann police apply for new cash boost to continue search

The Independent  

Investigators searching for Madeleine McCann are hoping to receive new funding to continue the search. “But, in this time of squeezed budgets, I can “I understand the frustrations of families that have missing children who do not have the luxury of such ongoing funding.” Operation Grange, has cost an estimated £13million since 2011 So far their missing persons investigation, Operation …

Madeleine McCann’s parents speak out after defeat in legal fight with detective
2 years, 6 months ago

Madeleine McCann’s parents speak out after defeat in legal fight with detective

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Madeleine McCann’s parents have said …

Madeleine McCann’s parents lose court case against Portugal detective
2 years, 6 months ago

Madeleine McCann’s parents lose court case against Portugal detective

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Madeleine McCann’s parents have lost …

What happened to Madeleine McCann? The missing person's case that captured the world
2 years, 10 months ago

What happened to Madeleine McCann? The missing person's case that captured the world

ABC  

It was once a face you saw everywhere. "Had the dogs not been brought in, it is fair to say, there would have been no Portuguese police decision formally to declare Madeleine's parents suspects," they wrote. Two years later, Scotland Yard revealed it had "new evidence and new witnesses" in the case and was opening a formal investigation into the …

British girl Madeleine McCann still missing after 15 years
2 years, 10 months ago

British girl Madeleine McCann still missing after 15 years

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The parents of Madeleine McCann, …

Portuguese prosecutors say a man has been named a formal suspect in the Madeleine McCann case
2 years, 11 months ago

Portuguese prosecutors say a man has been named a formal suspect in the Madeleine McCann case

ABC  

Portuguese prosecutors say a man had been formally identified as a suspect in the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann 15 years ago. Key points: Portuguese prosecutors said German authorities identified the man as a suspect at their request The man identified has denied any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance Madeleine went missing from her family's holiday apartment in Portugal in …

Madeleine McCann: Suspect Christian Brueckner says inmates want to kill him
3 years ago

Madeleine McCann: Suspect Christian Brueckner says inmates want to kill him

Daily Mail  

The prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has complained that inmates in the jail where he is currently serving time are threatening to kill him. Christian Brueckner, the main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, has complained that inmates of German jail where he is serving time want to kill him German newspaper Bild obtained a copy …

Madeleine McCann suspect was 'obsessed by pre-pubescent girls' says his ex-girlfriend
3 years, 1 month ago

Madeleine McCann suspect was 'obsessed by pre-pubescent girls' says his ex-girlfriend

Daily Mail  

The prime suspect in Madeleine McCann’s disappearance was obsessed by women with bodies like pre-pubescent girls, his ex-girlfriend has revealed. But in this, her first interview, the 44-year-old dramatically admitted she was dating Brueckner at the time three-year-old Madeleine vanished from her family’s holiday apartment in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz. Christian Brueckner was linked two years ago …

Madeleine McCann case set to collapse as investigators find suspect ‘was 30 minutes away’
3 years, 2 months ago

Madeleine McCann case set to collapse as investigators find suspect ‘was 30 minutes away’

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The case against the prime …

Madeleine McCann prime suspect Christian B 'will see case against him crumble'
3 years, 2 months ago

Madeleine McCann prime suspect Christian B 'will see case against him crumble'

Daily Mail  

British investigators have found that the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance Christian B has an alibi and the case is set to crumble. They have discovered that the prime suspect, 44, was not at the resort in Praia da Luz the night she disappeared and was actually '30 minutes away.' It is expected that their television programme Madeleine McCann: …

Madeleine McCann disappearance ‘could be solved within months,’ prosecutor says
3 years, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann disappearance ‘could be solved within months,’ prosecutor says

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters has said his team …

German police say they believe Madeleine McCann was 'killed in Portugal'
3 years, 10 months ago

German police say they believe Madeleine McCann was 'killed in Portugal'

Daily Mail  

Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann now believe she was killed in Portugal by German suspect Christian Brueckner. Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann now believe she was killed in Portugal by German suspect Christian Brueckner Three-year-old Madeleine, known as Maddie, vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal's Praia da Luz on May 3, 2007. Pictured: Praia da …

Met police chief Dame Cressida Dick says Madeline McCann probe will continue
3 years, 10 months ago

Met police chief Dame Cressida Dick says Madeline McCann probe will continue

Daily Mail  

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has vowed to continue the search for missing girl Madeleine McCann who disappeared in Portugal 14 years ago. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, pictured, said this morning Scotland Yard will continue its investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who vanished in May 2007 while on a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal German …

Police probing Madeleine McCann case 'have dramatic new evidence'
3 years, 10 months ago

Police probing Madeleine McCann case 'have dramatic new evidence'

Daily Mail  

Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have been given dramatic new evidence in their case against Christian Brueckner. Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have been given dramatic new evidence in their case against Christian Brueckner German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters has now revealed that new evidence has been gathered in recent days, though he declined to reveal …

Madeleine McCann's parents Kate and Gerry McCann mark missing daughter's 18th birthday
3 years, 10 months ago

Madeleine McCann's parents Kate and Gerry McCann mark missing daughter's 18th birthday

ABC  

The parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann are marking the 18th birthday of their daughter on Wednesday, more than a decade since she disappeared on holiday in Portugal. Key points: Madeleine went missing just days before her fourth birthday Her case sparked an international media fenzy No trace of her has ever been found but investigations continue A week …

Madeleine McCann: Kate and Gerry 'hang on to hope' ahead of her 18th birthday
3 years, 10 months ago

Madeleine McCann: Kate and Gerry 'hang on to hope' ahead of her 18th birthday

Daily Mail  

Madeleine McCann's parents have said they 'hang on to hope, however small' that they will see their daughter again as they marked the 14th anniversary of her disappearance alone. Madeleine McCann's parents have said they 'hang on to hope, however small' that they will see their daughter again as they prepare to mark the 14th anniversary of her disappearance alone …

Madeleine McCann: Material evidence that missing girl is dead, say German prosecutors
4 years, 6 months ago

Madeleine McCann: Material evidence that missing girl is dead, say German prosecutors

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy German prosecutors have claimed that …

Madeleine McCann disappearance: Police ‘find hidden cellar’ while searching suspect’s former allotment
4 years, 7 months ago

Madeleine McCann disappearance: Police ‘find hidden cellar’ while searching suspect’s former allotment

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy German investigators have reportedly found …

Madeleine McCann disappearance sees German garden plot ripped up by detectives investigating possible Christian B link
4 years, 8 months ago

Madeleine McCann disappearance sees German garden plot ripped up by detectives investigating possible Christian B link

ABC  

Police in Germany have begun searching a garden plot near Hanover as part of the continuing investigation into the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann. Key points: Police have been using excavators and sniffer dogs at the site Prosecutors said they had evidence Madeleine was dead Suspect Christian B, who is currently in prison in Germany, spent many years in …

Madeleine McCann is likely dead, prosecutors say evidence suggests, as they track suspect's movements to find body
4 years, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann is likely dead, prosecutors say evidence suggests, as they track suspect's movements to find body

ABC  

German prosecutors say they have evidence Madeleine McCann is dead and they are appealing to British tourists for information about the new suspect. Key points: Police need more information about the new suspect, named Christian B The prosecutor made it clear they are treating the case as a murder investigation He said all the information police have suggests Madeleine McCann …

Madeleine McCann's case has a new lead. So why were her parents initially under suspicion?
4 years, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann's case has a new lead. So why were her parents initially under suspicion?

ABC  

Thirteen years after British toddler Madeleine McCann vanished during a family holiday in Portugal, there is finally a major lead in the case. In response to the recent announcement, a spokesman for Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, told the ABC this lead appears to "be something different" and it could be "highly significant". But Ms McCann wrote in her …

Madeleine McCann murder suspect investigated for a second missing child case
4 years, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann murder suspect investigated for a second missing child case

ABC  

German prosecutors have opened an investigation into whether a 43-year-old man who has emerged as a possible suspect in the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann in Portugal may have been involved in a similar crime in Germany. Key points: A five-year-old German girl went missing in 2015 from a forest roughly 100km away from the suspect's home The suspect …

Madeleine McCann investigation focuses on new suspect, an unnamed German man currently in prison for sexual offences
4 years, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann investigation focuses on new suspect, an unnamed German man currently in prison for sexual offences

ABC  

British and German police have announced a new suspect in the 2007 disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann, appealing for information on a sex offender who is currently imprisoned in Germany for an unrelated crime. Key points: The British three-year-old disappeared in Portugal in 2007 An unnamed imprisoned German man has been cited as a person of interest Police have asked …

Madeleine McCann's parents 'realistic' as German police investigation into toddler's disappearance zeroes in on jailed suspect
4 years, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann's parents 'realistic' as German police investigation into toddler's disappearance zeroes in on jailed suspect

ABC  

German prosecutors say Madeleine McCann, the British girl who disappeared in Portugal in 2007 aged just three, is assumed dead. Key points: The spokesman for Kate and Gerry McCann says he cannot recall police zeroing in as much on one individual German prosecutors have identified a 43-year-old German prisoner as a murder suspect The McCanns say they are "realistic" over …

Madeleine McCann disappearance speculation has simmered for 13 years. Here's why the latest announcement could be different
4 years, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann disappearance speculation has simmered for 13 years. Here's why the latest announcement could be different

ABC  

Since three-year-old Madeleine McCann disappeared from her parents' Portugal hotel room in 2007, speculation around what happened to the British toddler has never ceased. "Our suspicion also includes the killing of Madeleine," Christian Hoppe of Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office said. British Metropolitan Police called the investigation into the German suspect "a significant new line of inquiry". It's the first …

Madeleine McCann: A timeline of events in disappearance as police identify new suspect
4 years, 9 months ago

Madeleine McCann: A timeline of events in disappearance as police identify new suspect

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Answers in the 13-year search …

Discover Related