Madeleine McCann prime suspect won't talk to British police

THE “primary suspect” in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann is refusing to cooperate with British detectives as he nears release from a seven-year rape term.

- By Josh Payne

Metropolitan Police sent an international letter of request to German national Christian Brueckner, 49, for him to speak to them, which he later rejected.

Madeleine, then aged three, vanished in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz in 2007, shortly after she was left sleeping by her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, who went for dinner in a nearby restaurant.

The Met said Brueckner remains a suspect in its investigation. Portuguese and German authorities are also probing Maddie's disappearance.

Brueckner is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in Germany for the rape of an elderly woman at her home in Praia da Luz in 2005 and could potentially be released on Wednesday.

He has previously denied any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, said the Met will “continue to pursue any viable lines of inquiry” in the absence of an interview with Brueckner.