MADELEINE McCann cops were investigating two objects uncovered during their search described by local media as “guns”.
Portuguese daily newspaper Correio da Manha reported two firearms had been found in the area of scrubland above Praia da Luz, searched last week.
Madeleine vanished on May 3, 2007, while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz in Portugal
Christian Brueckner is believed to be the lead suspect in the girl’s disappearance
PATwo firearms had been found in the area of scrubland above Praia da Luz[/caption]
One of the handguns was dismissed as “irrelevant” to the McCann investigation and linked to another probe.
The other weapon, found in a well, was said to be more modern. Both were described as rusty and historic with cops expecting neither to hold Maddie links.
However, prime suspect Christian Brueckner, 48, is said to have carried a gun during his time in the Algarve.
A Sun investigation revealed he previously owned two antique pistols.
A Portuguese investigator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of the gun reports: “The objects found are very old and very rusty.
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“I’d describe them almost as archeological artefacts.”
Another well-placed insider added: “One has already been ruled out as having any connection to the Maddie inquiry.
“A separate investigation is underway to try to establish how it ended up where it did and what exactly it is.”
Reports claimed all the objects and samples taken from the search were set to be tested in Portuguese capital Lisbon.
Sources in Germany said anything of value would be retained by German investigation leads.
Luis Neves, the National Director of the Policia Judiciaria police force insisted last Friday the searches had “not been in vain” despite the apparent lack of results.
This comes just hours after it was reported cops sent samples from their search in Portugal for testing.
The three-day search had widely been labeled a flop after police appeared to leave the site next to Praia da Luz empty-handed last week.
But eagle-eyed police did find tiny fragments, which they are speculating could have links to Maddie after prime suspect Brueckner wild camped at the site.
The samples were sent to Germany for testing amid hopes they could finally reveal the forensic link cops are missing on the case.
Cops are understood to have found clothes and animal bones during the extensive search through an area known as Brueckner’s “rat run”.
Without evidence pinning it to the convicted German rapist, prosecutors risk not being able to get the arrest warrant they need to keep Brueckner behind bars.
The claims were made in the Berlin Morning Post.
A source said: “Several objects have apparently been discovered, which are now being examined in more detail by the police in the laboratory.
“As Portuguese media report, clothing debris and bones were found, among other things.
“The investigators have not officially commented on whether the finds could have anything to do with Madeleine’s disappearance but that is clearly their hope.”
Dan CharityOne weapon, found in a well, was said to be more modern[/caption]
Dan CharityPolice have been searching various sites in and around the resort of Pria du Luz[/caption]
PACops were investigating two objects uncovered during their search[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
