British detectives are using ground-penetrating radar and sniffer dogs to search scrubland in the Portuguese resort where Madeleine McCann went missing from seven years ago.
Officers are thought to be looking for disturbed earth in the hilly area, which is being guarded day and night by armed local police with dogs.
Madeleine’s parents Kate and Gerry are not in Portugal but are being kept informed by Scotland Yard.
Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann work searching the area of scrubland near the holiday apartment
Their lawyer Isabel Duarte told The Sun: “It is my belief that police have some very good information to be carrying out ground searches.
“I believe there is data in the file which has led to this operation because, if not, the police wouldn’t be performing this very drastic task.
“Kate and Gerry have not been given information that Madeleine is dead and until this happens they have to believe she is still alive.
The search area is near where Madeleine disappeared from in May 2007
“But they think police will come up with some significant news. It is such a stressful time for them.
The officers, who were in Metropolitan Police uniform, searched the long grass on their hands and knees, accompanied by one of the two sniffer dogs as they scanned the rubbish-strewn ground.
A British police officer could be seen collecting soil samples from one flat area inside the cordon, which had been marked out with tape while small yellow flags could be seen poking out of the ground in places.
SEE ALSO: Madeleine McCann 'Conman' Denies Misusing Public Donations For Search To Fund Lavish Style
Nearby forestry workers used strimmers to cut back swathes of undergrowth to aid the search.
A large yellow-and-white cordon was put in place ahead of the search of clues and a number of small tents have been erected inside the cordon, thought to be where officers are concentrating their efforts.
Around six Portuguese police vans could be seen on top of a large mound in the middle of the scrubland, which overlooks the sea.
Madeleine McCann
Girl missing in Algarve(01 of30)
A photo of Madeleine McCann that was taken when she was 3 years old. (credit:Facebook.com/Official.Find.Madeleine.Campaign)
Madeleine McCann(02 of30)
FILE - This March 2007 file photo released by the McCann family Friday May 4, 2007 shows three-year-old British girl Madeleine McCann. British police say Thursday July 4, 2013 they have launched a full investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, and want to trace 38 "persons of interest" in the case. Detectives say it's possible that Madeleine, who vanished from a Portuguese holiday resort six years ago, is still alive. (AP Photo/McCann Family, File) (credit:AP)
(03 of30)
FILE- May 2, 2012 file photo Kate and Gerry McCann talk to reporters in London to mark their daughter Madeleine's birthday and the 5th anniversary of their daughter's disappearance during a family vacation in southern Portugal in May 2007 shortly before her fourth birthday. Lord Justice Brian Leveson will release his report, Thursday Nov. 29 2012, on a year-long inquiry into the culture and practices of the British press and his recommendations for future regulation to prevent phone hacking, data theft, bribery and other abuses. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, File) (credit:AP)
Kate McCann(04 of30)
Kate McCann, the mother of missing girl Madeleine, who testified in the Leveson Inquiry arrives at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London where Lord Justice Brian Leveson is to release his report, after a year long inquiry, into the culture and practices of the British press and his recommendations for future regulation to prevent phone hacking, data theft, bribery and other abuses, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:AP)
Kate McCann, Gerry McCann(05 of30)
FILE - In this May 2, 2012 file photo, Kate and Gerry McCann pose with a missing poster, an age progression computer generated image of their daughter Madeleine at 9 years old, as they talk to the media in London to mark their daughter Madeleine's birthday and the 5th anniversary of their daughter disappearance during a family vacation in southern Portugal in May 2007 shortly before her fourth birthday. New Zealand police said Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 DNA tests have confirmed a New Zealand girl is not missing British youngster Madeleine McCann. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, File) (credit:AP)
Girl missing in Algarve(06 of30)
An undated photo of Madeleine McCann from the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page. (credit:Facebook.com/Official.Find.Madeleine.Campaign)
Girl missing in Algarve(07 of30)
Kate McCann looks at an inflatable News of the World poster of missing daughter Madeleine measuring approx 800sq ft on the beach in Praia Da Luz, Portugal. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Girl missing in Algarve(08 of30)
Kate McCann, mother of missing Madeleine, during the recording of a television interview for the spanish television show "Los Mas Buscados" with images of Madeleine on a large TV screen behind her, in the Hotel Villa Magna in Madrid. (credit:John Taylor/PA Archive)
Girl missing in Algarve(09 of30)
The GPR image that Stephen Birch believes shows a grave. (credit:Stephen Birch)
Missing girl in Algarve(10 of30)
A photo of the May 15, 2007 search of the property in Praia da Luz where Stephen Birch believes he found a grave. The black box indicates the rubble pile he claims police never searched. (credit:Stephen Birch)
Girl missing in Algarve(11 of30)
An October 2007 photo of the same location. Stephen Birch said this photo indicates the rubble pile had not been touched during the May 2007 search. (credit:Stephen Birch)
Missing girl in Algarve(12 of30)
An overlay of the two photos. (credit:Stephen Birch)
Girl missing in Algarve(13 of30)
An undated photo of Madeleine McCann from the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page. (credit:Facebook.com/Official.Find.Madeleine.Campaign)
Missing Madeleine McCann(14 of30)
Kate and Gerry McCann in Quorn, Leicestershire, as they launch a petition to lobby the UK and Portuguese governments for a joint or independent review over their daughter Madeleine's disappearance. (credit:Rui Vieira/PA Archive)
Girl missing in Algarve(15 of30)
Kate McCann, mother of missing girl Madeleine McCann leaves the village chruch in Praia Da Luz on the Algarve, Portugal, following a service. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Girl missing in Algarve(16 of30)
An undated photo of Madeleine McCann from the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page. (credit:Facebook.com/Official.Find.Madeleine.Campaign)
Girl missing in Algarve(17 of30)
Kate McCann leaves a church service in Praia Da Luz, Portugal, 2 weeks after Madeleine McCann went missing on the evening of Thursday May 3. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Girl missing in Algarve(18 of30)
An undated photo of Madeleine McCann from the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page. (credit:Facebook.com/Official.Find.Madeleine.Campaign)
Missing Madeleine McCann(19 of30)
Kate and Gerry McCann give a press conference in central London on their newly published book 'Madeleine' about their daughter's disappearance in 2007. (credit:Anthony Devlin/PA Archive)
Girl missing in Algarve(20 of30)
Business card sized leaflets showing missing girl Madeleine McCann, which were handed out to fans during the Espanyol v Sevilla Uefa Cup final at Hampden Park in Glasgow. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Archive)
Missing girl in Algarve(21 of30)
Kate McCann leaves the special service for the 100th day of Madeleine McCann's disappearance at the local church in Praia Du Luz, Portugal. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Girl missing in Algarve(22 of30)
Kate and Gerry McCann make an appeal for their three year old Madeleine's return. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Archive)
Girl missing in Algarve(23 of30)
An undated photo of Madeleine McCann from the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page. (credit:Facebook.com/Official.Find.Madeleine.Campaign)
Madeleine McCann(24 of30)
Composite photos showing three-year-old Madeine McCann, left, with a computer generated age progression image of the missing child as she might look now, right, issued Thursday July 4, 2013. British police say Thursday July 4, 2013 they have launched a full investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, and want to trace 38 "persons of interest" in the case. Detectives say it's possible that Madeleine, who vanished from a Portuguese holiday resort six years ago, is still alive. (AP Photo/PA, Metropolitan Police, Teri Blythe) MANDATORY CREDIT ONE TIME USE ONLY UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE (credit:AP)
BRITAIN-MEDIA-POLITICS(25 of30)
Gerry McCann, father of missing girl Madeleine McCann and a victim of phone hacking, speaks during a conference organised by the Hacked Off campaign, on the eve of the publication of the long-awaited Conservative proposal for a 'Royal Charter' for press regulation in Central London, on February 11, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW COWIE (Photo credit should read ANDREW COWIE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
BRITAIN-MEDIA-POLITICS-LEVESON(26 of30)
Kate McCann, mother of missing toddler Madeleine McCann, joins members of 'Hacked Off', an organisation that advocates for victims of press abuse, as they make a statement following the publication of the Leveson Report into press ethics in central London on November 29, 2012 after a major inquiry launched in the wake of the News Of The World phone-hacking scandal. A major inquiry called for new laws to underpin a tougher watchdog for Britain's 'outrageous' newspapers in a move that threatens to split Prime Minister David Cameron's coalition government. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
(27 of30)
This theater image released by Boneau/Bryan-Brown shows, from left, Gareth Saxe, Madeleine Martin and Mary McCann, in a scene from Simon Stephens drama, "Harper Regan," performing off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York. (AP Photo/Boneau/Bryan-Brown, Kevin Thomas Garcia) (credit:AP)
Kate McCann, Gerry McCann(28 of30)
Kate and Gerry McCann pose with a missing poster of their daughter Madeleine as talk to the media in London Wednesday, May 2, 2012 to mark their daughter Madeleine's birthday and the 5th anniversary of their daughter disappearance during a family vacation in southern Portugal in May 2007 shortly before her fourth birthday. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) (credit:AP)
MADELEINE MCCANN(29 of30)
FILE - This March 2007 file photo released by the McCann family Friday, May 4, 2007, shows 3-year-old British girl Madeleine McCann. London's Metropolitan Police said Wednesday April 25, 2012 say it's possible missing girl Madeleine McCann is alive and they will release a new image of the girl, who went missing on a family vacation in the Algarve coast in Portugal in May 2007. (AP Photo/McCann Family, File) (credit:AP)
Missing Madeleine McCann(30 of30)
UNSPECIFIED - UNDATED: In this handout artists impression from the UK's national police centre for protecting children - the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, a likeness of what missing child Madeleine McCann would look like today is seen. Madeleine disappeared on May 3, 2007 while on holiday with her family in Portugal and would now be 6 years old. (Photo Illustration by Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A number of officers from both the UK and Portugal could also be seen in discussions on top of the slope, which is covered in small bushes.
The land, a few minutes' walk from the Ocean Club resort apartment where Madeleine was staying with her family, has been searched before.
Scotland Yard, which is carrying out its own investigation into what happened to the youngster, refused to comment on British officers being at the scene and said the force was "not prepared to give a running commentary" about the case.
Portuguese police search the scrubland in Praia da Luz, Algarve
TV crews and journalists from around the world were gathered at the cordon as the search - seen as one of the biggest developments in the investigation in recent years - takes place.
Two local officers on horseback also patrolled the scene, while another pair strolled around the cordon edge with German shepherd dogs.
Two small blue tents around 100 yards inside appeared empty, with officers appearing to concentrate their efforts on the other side of the mound, away from the public's gaze.
Seach for missing Madeleine McCann
Madeleine McCann missing(01 of92)
British police and their Portuguese counterparts investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann seven years ago from Praia da Luz on the Algarve, in Portugal begin to search a patch of scrubland just outside of the small town as the search for clues enters a second week. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(02 of92)
British police and their Portuguese counterparts investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann seven years ago from Praia da Luz on the Algarve, in Portugal begin to search a patch of scrubland just outside of the small town as the search for clues enters a second week. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(03 of92)
British police and their Portuguese counterparts investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann seven years ago from Praia da Luz on the Algarve, in Portugal during a search of a patch of scrubland just outside of the small coastal town as the search for clues enters a second week. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(04 of92)
British police and their Portuguese counterparts investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann seven years ago from Praia da Luz on the Algarve, in Portugal begin to search a patch of scrubland just outside of the small town as the search for clues enters a second week. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(05 of92)
British police and their Portuguese counterparts investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann seven years ago from Praia da Luz on the Algarve, in Portugal during a search of a patch of scrubland just outside of the small coastal town as the search for clues enters a second week. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(06 of92)
British police and their Portuguese counterparts investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann seven years ago from Praia da Luz on the Algarve, in Portugal begin to search a patch of scrubland just outside of the small town as the search for clues enters a second week. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(07 of92)
British police conduct a finger-tip search of an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(08 of92)
A British police officer digs soil in an area of wasteland during the search for evidence of Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing seven years ago. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(09 of92)
British police and their Portuguese counterparts investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann seven years ago from Praia da Luz on the Algarve, in Portugal during a search of a patch of scrubland just outside of the small coastal town as the search for clues enters a second week. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(10 of92)
A Portugese police officer checks soil samples dug from a hole in an area of wasteland during the search for evidence of Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing seven years ago. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(11 of92)
A British police officer checking inside a drain next to an area of wasteland during the search for evidence of Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing seven years ago. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(12 of92)
British police officers lifting a manhole cover and checking inside with a camera, next to an area of wasteland during the search for evidence of Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing seven years ago. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(13 of92)
British police officers lifting a manhole cover and checking inside with a camera, next to an area of wasteland during the search for evidence of Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing seven years ago. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(14 of92)
A member of the search team looks at a screen while a camera is placed inside an drain next to an area of wasteland during the search for evidence of Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing seven years ago. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(15 of92)
British police officers lifting a manhole cover and checking inside with a camera, next to an area of wasteland during the search for evidence of Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing seven years ago. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(16 of92)
A British police officer clears an area of wasteland during the search for evidence of Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing seven years ago. (credit:PA)
Search for Madeleine McCann(17 of92)
Forensic police officers preparing to examine a hole in an area of wasteland to search for Madeleine McCann in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(18 of92)
British police officers lifting a manhole cover and checking inside with a camera, next to an area of wasteland during the search for evidence of Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing seven years ago. (credit:PA)
Search for Madeleine McCann(19 of92)
Forensic police officers preparing to examine a hole in an area of wasteland to search for Madeleine McCann in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Search for Madeleine McCann(20 of92)
Forensic police officers preparing to examine a hole in an area of wasteland to search for Madeleine McCann in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Search for Madeleine McCann(21 of92)
Forensic police officers preparing to examine a hole in an area of wasteland to search for Madeleine McCann in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Search for Madeleine McCann(22 of92)
Forensic police officers preparing to examine a hole in an area of wasteland to search for Madeleine McCann in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Search for Madeleine McCann(23 of92)
Forensic police officers preparing to examine a hole in an area of wasteland to search for Madeleine McCann in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(24 of92)
British police using ground penetrating radar equipment in an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(25 of92)
British police using ground penetrating radar equipment in an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Search for Madeleine McCann(26 of92)
A drone flying over an area of wasteland in which British police are searching for Madeleine McCann in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(27 of92)
British police look at a hole in an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(28 of92)
British police using ground penetrating radar equipment in an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
PRT-ENGLAND-CRIME-MCCANN(29 of92)
Police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann work searching the area of scrubland near the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on June 3, 2014 where she vanished seven years ago. The joint Portuguese-British operation could last up to a week, and take in three different patches of land, according to Portuguese media reports. AFP FRANCISCO LEONG (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(30 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 03: British Police officers dig for evidence during a search of an area of scrubland as part of a new investigation into the disappearance Madeleine McCann on June 3, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. British police have started a new investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared at the age of 3 whilst on holiday with her family in the Algarve in 2007. (Photo by Filipe Farinha/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(31 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 03: British and Portuguese police officers work together during a search of an area of scrubland as part of a new investigation into the disappearance Madeleine McCann on June 3, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. British police have started a new investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared at the age of 3 whilst on holiday with her family in the Algarve in 2007. (Photo by Filipe Farinha/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(32 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 03: A British Police officer takes notes during a search of an area of scrubland as part of a new investigation into the disappearance Madeleine McCann on June 3, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. British police have started a new investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared at the age of 3 whilst on holiday with her family in the Algarve in 2007. (Photo by Filipe Farinha/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(33 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 03: A man clears an area of scrubland as part of a new investigation into the disappearance Madeleine McCann on June 3, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. British police have started a new investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared at the age of 3 whilst on holiday with her family in the Algarve in 2007. (Photo by Filipe Farinha/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(34 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 03:British Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood works with a Portuguese police officer during a search of an area of scrubland as part of a new investigation into the disappearance Madeleine McCann on June 3, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. British police have started a new investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared at the age of 3 whilst on holiday with her family in the Algarve in 2007. (Photo by Filipe Farinha/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(35 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 03: British police search of an area of scrubland as part of a new investigation into the disappearance Madeleine McCann on June 3, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. British police have started a new investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared at the age of 3 whilst on holiday with her family in the Algarve in 2007. (Photo by Filipe Farinha/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(36 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 03: British Police search of an area of scrubland as part of a new investigation into the disappearance Madeleine McCann on June 3, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. British police have started a new investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared at the age of 3 whilst on holiday with her family in the Algarve in 2007. (Photo by Filipe Farinha/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Madeleine McCann missing(37 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(38 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(39 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(40 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(41 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(42 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(43 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(44 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(45 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(46 of92)
British police shifting through soil on an area of wasteland during a search for Madeleine McCann, in the town of Praia da Luz in Portugal where she went missing. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(47 of92)
British police with sniffer dogs check an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(48 of92)
British police conduct a finger-tip search of an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(49 of92)
British police conduct a finger-tip search of an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(50 of92)
British police conduct a finger-tip search of an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(51 of92)
British police conduct a finger-tip search of an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(52 of92)
British police conduct a finger-tip search of an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
PRT-ENGLAND-CRIME-MCCANN(53 of92)
Police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann work in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on June 2, 2014 searching the area of scrubland near the holiday apartment in Portugal where she vanished seven years ago. The joint Portuguese-British operation could last up to a week, and take in three different patches of land, according to Portuguese media reports. AFP FRANCISCO LEONG (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(54 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 02: Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann search scrubland on June 2, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. (Photo by Filipe Farinha - Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(55 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 02: Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann search scrubland on June 2, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. (Photo by Filipe Farinha - Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Police Begin A New Operation In The Search For Madeline McCann(56 of92)
PRAIA DA LUZ, PORTUGAL - JUNE 02: Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann search scrubland on June 2, 2014 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. (Photo by Filipe Farinha - Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PRT-ENGLAND-CRIME-MCCANN(57 of92)
Police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann work with a sniffer dog searching the area of scrubland near the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on June 3, 2014 where she vanished seven years ago. The joint Portuguese-British operation could last up to a week, and take in three different patches of land, according to Portuguese media reports. AFP FRANCISCO LEONG (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PRT-ENGLAND-CRIME-MCCANN(58 of92)
Police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann work with a sniffer dog searching the area of scrubland near the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on June 3, 2014 where she vanished seven years ago. The joint Portuguese-British operation could last up to a week, and take in three different patches of land, according to Portuguese media reports. AFP FRANCISCO LEONG (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PRT-ENGLAND-CRIME-MCCANN(59 of92)
Police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann work with a sniffer dog searching the area of scrubland near the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on June 3, 2014 where she vanished seven years ago. The joint Portuguese-British operation could last up to a week, and take in three different patches of land, according to Portuguese media reports. AFP FRANCISCO LEONG (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PRT-ENGLAND-CRIME-MCCANN(60 of92)
Police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann work searching the area of scrubland near the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on June 3, 2014 where she vanished seven years ago. The joint Portuguese-British operation could last up to a week, and take in three different patches of land, according to Portuguese media reports. AFP FRANCISCO LEONG (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
PRT-ENGLAND-CRIME-MCCANN(61 of92)
A sniffer dog works on a zone signaled by police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann searching the area of scrubland near the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, near Lagos on June 3, 2014 where she vanished seven years ago. The joint Portuguese-British operation could last up to a week, and take in three different patches of land, according to Portuguese media reports. AFP FRANCISCO LEONG (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Madeleine McCann missing(62 of92)
EDITORIAL USE ONLYBritish police officers search scrubland for missing girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, as they continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of the then three year old who vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(63 of92)
British police with sniffer dogs check an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
Madeleine McCann missing(64 of92)
British police check an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police with sniffer dogs check an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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A Portuguese police officer stands in front of a cordoned off area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal, which where British police are currently searching. (credit:PA)
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British police meet local police at an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police search an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police arrive at an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police tape off an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police search an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police check an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police tape off an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police tape off an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police check an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police tape off an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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British police tape off an area of scrubland close to where Madeleine McCann went missing seven years ago, in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal. (credit:PA)
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Portuguese and British police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Portuguese and British police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Portuguese and British police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Portuguese and British police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Portuguese and British police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Portuguese and British police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Portuguese and British police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Portuguese and British police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Portuguese and British police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
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Portuguese police search scrubland in Praia da Luz, Portugal, as British police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Portugal have reportedly arrived at a potential excavation site near where the youngster vanished seven years ago.
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Portuguese police search scrubland in Praia da Luz, Portugal, as British police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Portugal have reportedly arrived at a potential excavation site near where the youngster vanished seven years ago.
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Portuguese police search scrubland in Praia da Luz, Portugal, as British police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Portugal have reportedly arrived at a potential excavation site near where the youngster vanished seven years ago.
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Portuguese police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant. (credit:EPA)
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Portuguese police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant. (credit:EPA)
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Portuguese police search scrubland for missing British girl Madeleine McCann, in Praia da Luz, Algarve, southern Portugal, 02 June 2014. Police continue to investigate the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann, then aged 3, after she vanished from her family's holiday apartment in the Algarve village of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner at a nearby restaurant. (credit:EPA)