German paedophile emerges as new suspect in Maddie McCann case

Portuguese detectives are investigating a foreign paedophile as a suspect in the abduction of Madeleine McCann, according to reports.

Scotland Yard passed information to Portuguese police about the apparent kidnap suspect, who was in Portugal in May 2007, the Lisbon-based Expresso newspaper reported.

The man had been investigated over alleged child sex offences at the time, according to the paper, which quoted a judicial source.

The Sun has named the suspect as 48-year-old German paedophile Martin Ney.

Martin Ney, a convicted paedophile, is a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Source: 7 News/ AAP
Martin Ney, a convicted paedophile, is a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Source: 7 News/ AAP

Ney is serving life in prison for abducting and murdering three children.

It’s been reported he was in Portugal working for an evangelical church on a project for the homeless around the time Madeleine disappeared.

The 48-year-old is also suspected of murdering a child in Holland in 1998 and another in France in 2004.

Clarence Mitchell, a spokesman for the McCann family, told The Sun Ney “fits the profile”.

“He wore camouflage gear, carried knives and jumped out of bushes to pounce on victims,” Mr Mitchell told The Sun.

“It is quite possible and plausible police are looking at him again but it could be someone else.”

Gerry and Kate McCann hold a picture in 2012 of what they believe Madeleine would have looked like then. Source: AAP
Gerry and Kate McCann hold a picture in 2012 of what they believe Madeleine would have looked like then. Source: AAP

Twelve years of missing Madeleine

The reports come on the 12th anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance as her mother Kate attended an emotional prayer vigil at her home village in Rothley, Leicestershire, marking the occasion.

Madeleine's father Gerry, a heart doctor, was reportedly in Italy on work business as Kate and her twins Sean and Amelie attended the service at a local Baptist church.

The girl was three when she vanished while on holiday with her parents in Praia da Luz on the Algarve coast on May 3 2007.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said on Thursday the force was pursuing "active lines of inquiry" and has asked for more funding from the Home Office.

British police launched their own investigation, Operation Grange, in 2013 after a Portuguese inquiry failed to make progress.

Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, both doctors and devout Catholics, have always pledged never to give up the search for their daughter.

Madeleine McCann has been missing for 12 years. Source: AAP
Madeleine McCann has been missing for 12 years. Source: AAP

In a statement on Friday, the 12th anniversary of her disappearance, they said: "The months and years roll by too quickly, Madeleine will be 16 this month.

"It's impossible to put into words just how that makes us feel. There is comfort and reassurance though in knowing that the investigation continues and many people around the world remain vigilant.

"Thank you to everyone who continues to support us and for your ongoing hope and belief."

With AAP

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