Madeleine McCann case to close after 11 years and chief suspect may not be charged

21 March 2022, 11:48 | Updated: 21 March 2022, 13:49

Operation Grange, the investigation into Maddie's disappearance, is to be wound down later this year
Operation Grange, the investigation into Maddie's disappearance, is to be wound down later this year. Picture: Alamy

By Asher McShane

The Met police investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann is to close after 11 years.

Scotland Yard is understood to be preparing to shut down Operation Grange inquiry later this year.

The investigation was set up four years after three-year-old Madeleine went missing in Portugal in 2007. There are fears that German prime suspect Christian Brueckner will never be charged.

Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann are understood to be aware of the plans
Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann are understood to be aware of the plans. Picture: Alamy

A source connected to the UK side of the investigation told The Sun: “The end of the road for Operation Grange is now in sight.

Read more: Family pay tribute to 'angel' student, 19, found dead at university accommodation

Read more: Horrifying moment plane with 132 passengers 'nosedives' into Chinese mountain

“The team’s work is expected to be completed by autumn. There are currently no plans to take the inquiry any further.”

The Met police has applied for a grant to keep funding the operation through to September. Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann are understood to be aware of the plans to wind down the investigation. The case could be reopened at a later date if new evidence emerges.

Maddie went missing on the evening of May 3 2007, from her holiday apartment at the Ocean Club.

German police named Brueckner as the prime suspect in the case in 2020 but charges have never been brought. German prosecutors admitted last year that evidence detectives had obtained against Brueckner was circumstantial.

Brueckner has denied any involvement in the girl’s disappearance.

The Met is still treating her disappearance as a missing person's case.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

After she was arrested she told detectives the stabbing was “punishment”.

Al Qaida-inspired student who stabbed MP could walk free from prison

Bank Of England In The City Of London

UK economy shrank by 0.3% in April following Trump Tariffs hit - as Reeves brands figures 'disappointing'

Elderly women watching TV in outpatient clinic waiting room in NHS hospital. UK

NHS should ‘tear up the outpatient model’, health service chief executive says

Brian Wilson passed away aged 82.

Surviving Beach Boys pay tribute to songwriter ‘genius’ Brian Wilson

Palestinians carry boxes and bags containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization approved by Israel, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Controversial aid distributer accuses Hamas of carrying out attack on bus transporting Palestinians

A net balance of 28% of professionals reported seeing the number of sales agreed falling. Sales volumes are generally expected to flatten out rather than fall in the three months ahead, the survey indicated.

House sales tipped to bounce back with 'strongest outlook' since February - but buyer interest still slipping

Supporters of Dignity in Dying celebrate on hearing the result of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London.

UK doctor says helping patients die in Australia is a ‘tremendous privilege’ and calls for law change at home

The body of Yair Yaakov, 59, has reportedly been recovered.

Two more hostages recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, Netanyahu says

There were reports of vehicles being damaged and burned out, stolen cars, motorbikes being used and bricks thrown at officers amid the disorder, Greater Manchester Police said.

Girl, 16, charged with assaulting an emergency worker in Salford after ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police

The affected products include the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, “Misfits” Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA said.

'Don't eat them': Brits told to avoid popular American sweets linked to cancer amid 'toxicological concern'

A woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy was found dead in Dunholme End.

Boy, 4, found dead inside Maidenhead home as police arrest woman on suspicion of murder

Exclusive
Caz Holbrook, 54, said 2023 was a "very stressful" year after her landlord evicted her and her 15-year-old son from their home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

I was evicted after Liz Truss's budget tanked the economy – my son and I ended up in a beetle-infested flat

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Village church ordered to silence 'cherished' chiming bells after residents' complaints spark huge row

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation