The parents of Madeleine McCann have "welcomed" the news that a prime suspect has been named.
It comes as Portuguese authorities German paedophile Christian Brueckner has been officially named as a suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance for the very first time.
Kate and Gerry McCann added: “Even though the possibility may be slim, we have not given up hope that Madeleine is still alive and we will be reunited with her.”
READ MORE: Major developments in Madeleine McCann case as German national made a 'formal suspect'
In a message posted on the Official Find Madeleine Campaign Facebook page on Friday, Kate and Gerry McCann wrote: "Even though the possibility may be slim, we have not given up hope that Madeleine is still alive and we will be reunited with her".
Kate and Gerry McCann also wrote: "We welcome the news that the Portuguese authorities have declared a German man an 'arguido' in relation to the disappearance of our beloved daughter Madeleine.
"This reflects progress in the investigation, being conducted by the Portuguese, German and British authorities.
"We are kept informed of developments by the Metropolitan police.
"It is important to note the 'arguido' has not yet been charged with any specific crime related to Madeleine's disappearance."
Brueckner was named as an official suspect by Portuguese authorities yesterday, the 43-year-old’s lawyers confirmed.
It is believed that the move, making Brueckner an “arguido” (defendant), is linked to the upcoming 15th anniversary of the young girl’s abduction.
This has important legal ramifications, because whilst in Germany there is no time limit for a murder charge, in Portugual there is a strict 15 year limit.
This move allows the investigation to continue further.
Brueckner’s lawyer, Friedrich Fuelscher said: "The step taken by the Portuguese authorities should not be overrated.
“Without knowing the Portuguese legal situation in detail, I assume that this measure is a procedural artifice to stop the statute of limitations threatening in a few days."
The 45-year-old was first named in the summer of 2020 as a prime suspect by German police, after mobile phone records placed him in Praia da Luz on the night Maddie vanished.
But despite further extensive inquiries he has never been charged.
Recently, the Portuguese authorities confirmed that they will continue their inquiries amid reports that Scotland Yard’s Operation Grange investigation will be wound up this autumn.
Brueckner is currently serving a rape sentence at a high security prison in Oldenburg, northwest Germany.
He also still faces charges for the rape of Irish national Hazel Behan in Portugal in 2004.
German paper Bild revealed the latest development of the long running mystery.
Maddie disappeared in May 2007 from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on the Algarve as her parents, from Rothley, Leics, enjoyed a tapas meal nearby.
This all comes after fears the 15-year limit on prosecutions meant the perpetrators behind Maddie's disappearance might have got away with it.
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