The new search linked to Madeleine’s disappearance has originated from a tip provided by a “very credible” German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) informant, it has been claimed. Respected Portuguese media outlet Expresso said the informant provided detectives with “details” they took “very seriously”. On Wednesday, the publication named Rainer Grimm as the man leading the probe for Germany’s BKA.

The report read: “Rainer Grimm is among the investigators who are carrying out searches at Arade Dam on the Algarve.

“Expresso knows that these searches have their origin in a tip from a BKA informant who that police force considers very credible.

“This informant told investigators details that the German police took very seriously.

It added: “The searches were requested by the German police after receiving this information.”

The media outlet said it had obtained its information from a “source close to the investigation” – which has not been identified.

The new investigation into Maddie’s disappearance is taking place at the Arade Dam, located a 40-minute drive away from where the McCanns were holidaying in May 2007.

The area of the reservoir is believed to have been often visited by Christian B., a convicted sex offender currently in prison for raping an elderly American in 205 and the sole suspect in Madeleine’s case.

German police, local reports claimed, had obtained pictures and video footage showing the German native – who has denied any involvement in the disappearance of the British toddler – at the reservoir. 

READ MORE: For too long somebody who knows what happened to Madeleine has stayed silent

Ahead of the launch of the search, the investigation was described as a two to three day operation. 

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: /news

Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/DailyExpress and @daily_express