Madeleine McCann Cops in Germany and Portugal Clash Over Sharing of DNA Evidence That Could Lead to Breakthrough

Sarah White Antonella Lazzeri

POLICE in Germany and Portugal are at war over sharing DNA evidence which could be key in the hunt for Madeleine McCann.

German cops want to retest a tiny sample of saliva found on a piece of cloth on the missing girl’s bedspread. But officers in Portugal appear reluctant to do a retest or hand the sample over.

German and Portuguese cops have clashed over sharing DNA evidence which could provide a breakthrough in the Madeleine McCann case   PA:Press Association

They think it could prove a link to prime suspect Christian Brueckner.

They claim the DNA sample has little “identification value” and their previous tests proved inconclusive.

It comes amid reports in Portugal of an “impasse” between the two countries’ officers.

A source close to their Policia Judiciaria said: “We’ve already ruled this out (in relation to Christian B) and it’s insulting to be asked to do this again.

COP CLASH

“What’s even worse is that they now want to do it in their labs, as if ours aren’t good enough. This is typically arrogant of them.”

This is called Portuguese pride! Do they really want this case solved? Do they think they are maintaining any kind of dignity by dragging this case on forever?

The Portuguese suggest sending the sample abroad for retesting might be illegal.

German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters has been publicly critical of the original probe into Madeleine's disappearance from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal in 2007.

Portuguese cops’ requests to share intelligence — such as which sites could be dug up around the resort to help the search — have been blocked.

Peter Bleksley, a founder member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit, said: “I think this is descending into a very undignified bun fight.

'UNDIGNIFIED BUN FIGHT'

“All countries involved should have one sole and paramount objective and that is to get to the truth

“There shouldn’t be any kind of credit seeking or muscle flexing whatsoever.”

The Germans say they have “concrete evidence” — so far kept under wraps — that Madeleine is dead.

Portuguese case files reveal a spot of male saliva was on piece of cloth recovered from the bedspread. It has not matched any profiles so far.

Christian Brueckner, 43, has for the first time denied abducting Madeleine — who was three when she disappeared.

His lawyer Friedrich Fulscher made the revelation after speaking to the paedophile in jail.

His client is serving time for drug offences and the rape of an OAP.

The former lawyer for Madeleine’s parents Gerry and Kate, of Rothley, Leics, declined to comment.