Police searching for Madeleine McCann have issued a statement after it became public that they had found a "relevant clue" during their search of a reservoir in Portugal.
Madeleine went missing from an apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007 while her parents were dining with their friends at a nearby restaurant.
Now, 16 years later, the police are still searching for the missing British girl, as the case drew worldwide attention and continues to be the center of a media frenzy.
This week, BBC News reported that police divers have started searching a remote reservoir in Portugal, which is located roughly 31 miles (50km) from where the British toddler went missing.
The search is being led by German police due to their investigation of 45-year-old Christian Brueckner, a leading suspect in the case.
The German police released the following statement via CBS: "As part of the investigation into the case of Madeleine McCann there are currently measures related to the criminal process taking place in Portugal. The measures are being implemented [...] by the Portuguese law enforcement authorities with the support of officers of the [German] Federal Criminal Police Office. Further information on the background will not be released at this time."
As per the Independent, it came to light that the police searching the reservoir had discovered a "relevant clue" in regard to the toddler's disappearance.
Police in Portugal said: "[The search] resulted in the collection of some material that will be subject to the competent expertise. The material collected will be handed over to the German authorities."
Police were seen hammering away at the ground with pickaxes and combing through small rocks with rakes and spades, The Independent detailed.
Sniffer dogs were also used at the scene and authorities cut down trees as part of the ongoing search.
German prosecutor Christian Wolters stated that while police were looking for a body, they were also keen to uncover any clues such as items of clothing.
The results of the materials that have been collected are not expected to be announced soon, as authorities wish to have time to investigate thoroughly.
The Independent also reported that officials have "concrete evidence" that the missing British girl is dead, though this claim remains unconfirmed.
Brueckner denies any involvement in the case but remains a suspect as he was reportedly living in a camper van near Praia da Luz at the time of Madeleine's disappearance, with phone records allegedly showing that he received a call near the McCann family's vacation apartment about an hour before the toddler disappeared.
