British and Portuguese police have spent years following up leads to no avail
MADELEINE McCann’s parents have issued a New Year message saying they hope 2026 will bring them a breakthrough in the hunt for their missing daughter.
Madeleine was three when she vanished on a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007
But almost 19 years on, mum and dad Kate and Gerry McCann say they have not given up hope.
In a message on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page, they say their search for knowledge and justice is far from over and thanked the police for continuing the investigation into her disappearance.
It reads: “As 2025 draws to a close, we wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us, in whatever way, over the past year & for continuing to hope for positive news of Madeleine.”
They also say they have joined with charity Missing People in supporting Safecall.
It provides confidential, free support for youngsters at risk from criminal or sexual exploitation, or those who have left or are thinking of leaving home or their place of care.
The couple, from Rothley, Leics, add: “With our best wishes for a peaceful & positive new year & may 2026 bring us the breakthrough we long for.”
British and Portuguese police have spent years following up leads to no avail.
German sex predator Christian Brueckner is the prime suspect but he denies involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance and has never been charged.
In 2020 Brueckner was named as prime suspect in the case.
The paedo, 49, was in prison at the time serving seven years in Germany for the rape of a 72-year-old woman.
He was freed in September, but tagged.
Police fear they will no longer be able to track him as his ankle tag will stop working as soon as he crosses the border.
But prosecutors will try to delay him — and hope new witnesses will allow them to bring a fresh case against him.
Investigators fear he could disappear abroad, and have asked a court for a temporary travel ban.
