'No evidence' girl's remains found in SA belong to Madeleine McCann
British police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have contacted South Australian Police following the discovery of a young girls remains in a suitcase.
While the remains are believed to belong to a girl aged between two and four, local police have said it is extremely unlikely the remains found are those of the high-profile missing child.
"There is absolutely no evidence at this point in time to suggest that the child concerned is Madeleine McCann," South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens told reporters.
"We're prepared to consider any possibility but to suggest something like that at this point in time would purely be speculation for the benefit of getting attention."
Scotland Yard told the BBC it was "aware of reports" of the discovery and investigators working with Operation Grange had contacted local authorities but the Madeleine connection was highly tenuous.
Three-year-old Madeleine went missing from her holiday apartment in Portugal in 2007.
Some overseas websites have reported on the SA discovery, speculating whether the remains belonged to Madeleine.
Police also released images of a patchwork quilt found with the body in the hopes the public might recognize its distinctive design.
Described as an "eye-spy" quilt, the degraded blanket is made of patches with stars, pumpkins and musical notes.
SA police believe a fair-haired girl aged between two-and-a-half and four is the murder victim whose remains were found near Wynarka, in the Murray Mallee in the Riverland, earlier this month.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray previously said she could have died up to eight years ago.
When asked about whether the girl could be Western Australian child Lella McDougall, who went missing with her mother Chantelle in 2007, Commissioner Stevens said investigators were focused on South Australia.
"But we would be considering any missing child in terms of the match with what we have in the Riverland," he said.
Det Supt Bray said 410 reports had been made to Crime Stoppers, including 194 since Friday.
"We are extremely grateful for the level of community support we have received, and as a result of that support the investigation continues to progress each day," he said.
So far, 32 children have been excluded as potential victims.
Police on Monday issued a further digital image of part of a distinctive 90cm by 90cm homemade quilt found, along with girls' clothing, with the child's remains.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1300 333 000.
With reporting by AAP.
