Maddie search moves to Australia

The search for Madeleine McCann has moved to Australia as detectives began hunting for a new suspect.

The Daily Mail reports a witness has given Maddie's parents Kate and Gerry McCann's private detectives fresh information about an Australian man.

They believe the man could be linked to Madeleine's disappearance.

Investigators believe the man is of "potential significance" to their hunt, according to reports.

It is expected images of the man will be released as the family makes a dramatic appeal for public help to find him.

Madeleine vanished and was presumed to be kidnapped from a holiday apartment in Portugal while her parents were at dinner.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said he wants the public to help find Maddie.

"We are making an appeal based on new information," he told the Daily Mail.

Maddie has not been seen since her disappearance and he parents have vowed to never give up the search for her.

Channel 7 reports the Australian Federal Police have received no notification from British authorities about the new information.