Since 1:00 pm, the demobilisation of logistical means and materials at the base of operations and in the areas where the work has been carried out, with information circulating among journalists on the completion of the investigation at the location.

Lusa contacted the press office and made other inquiries with the Judiciary Police (PJ), but without success, and it was not possible to confirm that the searches have come to an end, however at the site is was clear to see tents being taken down and logistical apparatus being dismantled.

Investigators returned to the location this morning, accompanied by forestry workers with equipment to clear areas of bush and vegetation on one of the banks of the Arade dam, after the authorities decided to prolong the searches, which has been scheduled to end on Wednesday.

During the morning and early afternoon, the searches took place on the ground by several teams of operatives, accompanied by investigators from the Portuguese, British and German police.

Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 from Praia da Luz, in the municipality of Lagos, where she was spending holidays with her parents and siblings, about 50 kilometres from the place where searches are taking place.

The searches were requested by the German police who suspect the involvement of a German citizen in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who allegedly frequented the location at the Arade dam, in the municipality of Silves, in the district of Faro.