THE HUNT FOR MADDIE: PARENTS GRIM SEARCH
Praia da Luz, where Madeleine was snatched in May 2007 days before her fourth birthday. The search site is also near the beach where prime suspect Christian Brueckner’s VW campervan was photographed in 2007.
German police linked the convicted paedophile and rapist – currently in jail – to the case last month. Clarence
Mitchell, a former publicist for Madeleine’s parents, both 52, said: “Kate and Gerry want answers more than anyone.
“But while the Metropolitan Police are still treating Madeleine’s disappearance as a missing person, rather than a murder inquiry, it gives them a glimmer of hope that she could still be alive.
“They continue to hope until there is incontrovertible evidence which proves she is dead. They are being kept informed every step of the way.”
The family source added: “Kate and Gerry will be the first to know if there is any significant development.
“But police have not given them all the full details. They remain on tenterhooks during this time and it causes them more anguish. The Met Police are now working with Portuguese and German officers but have not been involved in direct activity in Portugal.
SURPRISED
“Wells have been searched in the past and they were expecting new searches in light of recent news from German police.
“They are rather surprised that the waterways hadn’t been searched
sooner. But this is a matter for Portuguese officers who are liaising with German authorities and Scotland Yard.”
German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters claimed authorities had “concrete evidence” that Madeleine was killed.
However, it is not believed police found anything during an eight-hour search on Thursday.
Divers from Portimao Fire Service investigations unit were drafted in to search the wells, some 45ft deep and set in scrubland. The waterline is typi