Dense shrubs, empty barns, disused wells and dust tracks – the police right here have gotten their work minimize out in the event that they’re to seek out proof regarding Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.
At 6am, earlier than police cordons had been put up, we spoke with an officer – a balaclava protecting his face – manning one of many forensic tents.
“It’s a large area,” he instructed me. “A different place will be searched each day.”
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A police officer in Praia da Luz the place authorities are looking for Madeleine McCann
Gusty winds blow up mud on the dust tracks. The land is utilized by canine walkers and hikers, and is sparsely populated.
However because the crow flies, it is solely a mile or so from the place the three-year-old was final seen whereas on vacation together with her household in Praia da Luz in 2007.
As we stood by the police van, out for his morning run was Tony Gallagher, a Brit who has lived inside this new search space for 20 years.
He remembers when all of it occurred.
“I know for a fact that they searched up here 20 years ago,” he stated.
“I’m not sure what they’re hoping to find, because even locals were searching.”
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Tony Gallagher stated police and locals had beforehand searched the identical space after Madeleine’s disappearance
It is one of many massive unanswered questions: Simply what intelligence is that this newest search primarily based on? Has somebody come ahead?
“It feels strange, you know,” Tony provides.
“I think it will be for the people in Praia da Luz… because it had a whole negative impact there 20 years ago in terms of business and tourists coming and everything.
“And I hope for the locals that does not occur once more.”
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Timeline of the McCann case
At 9am, two vans and three automobiles arrived, all with German quantity plates. Inside, police – some in camouflage uniforms – had been prepared to start the search.
Police in Germany had requested officers in Portugal for entry again in April, so this has been within the planning for weeks.
Madeleine’s disappearance is likely one of the most high-profile missing-person investigations on the earth.
It is why each new search brings the world’s media.
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Members of the media report on the brand new search
At one level, greater than 20 journalists had been broadcasting reside alongside us, lining the highway reverse the police.
Whereas this new search brings contemporary hope, journalists and, extra importantly, Kate and Gerry McCann have been right here earlier than, many occasions.
Round two years in the past, a dam about 45 minutes from right here was searched, however nothing was discovered.
In Might, on the anniversary of those tragic occasions, her dad and mom stated they’ll depart “no stone unturned” within the seek for their daughter.
Eighteen years on, it’s a poignant second – Madeleine would have turned 22 final month.
