Madeleine McCann's parents issued heartbreaking statement just days before police found evidence ‘indicating she's dead'

The parents of Madeleine McCann issued a heartbreaking statement just days before police issued an update on the case, finding evidence ‘indicating she's dead'.

18 years ago, three-year-old Madeleine from Britain went missing after last being seen at a holiday apartment complex in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007.

The toddler's disappearance prompted a Europe-wide police investigation, which has still not been solved.

However, police have recently discussed evidence found nearly a decade ago that they claim confirms that the toddler is dead.

Just days before shocking developments were made public, Madeleine's family issued a heartbreaking statement to mark 18 years since their daughter's abduction.

'Kate, Gerry & family' penned: "As we arrive at the 18th anniversary of Madeleine’s abduction, we’d like to thank our faithful supporters once again for standing by us and never forgetting about Madeleine.

Madeleine McCann went missing at the age of three in 2007 (FindMadeleine.com)

"The years appear to be passing even more quickly and whilst we have no significant news to share, our determination to ‘leave no stone unturned’ is unwavering. We will do our utmost to achieve this.

"May is also Madeleine’s birthday - her 22nd this year. No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day. We continue to ‘celebrate’ her as the very beautiful and unique person she is. We miss her."

The developments in question pertain to Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the case, and the material found on his property that German police have said is evidence that Madeleine is no longer alive.

In 2016, a dog found a suspected grave in a disused factory in Neuwegersleben, Germany, which was the property of German Christian Brueckner.

The 'grave' in question belonged to a dead dog, but USB and hard drives devices were also found, reportedly contained highly disturbing material confirming Brueckner's alleged obsession with kidnapping children, records of Skype chats with paedophiles talking about children, and child abuse images.

Alongside the technological devices, children's clothes, including 70 physical children's swimming costumes and toys, as well as masks, chemicals, and three guns were also reportedly found at the factory. A case also revealed images of girls aged between four and five years old.

A photograph of Brueckner also allegedly links him to a location close to where Madeleine vanished.

Christian Brueckner was initially connected to Madeleine's disappearance (Carabinieri Milano via Getty Images)

It's reported images found on the devices are 'crucial' evidence Madeleine likely died shortly after she went missing.

Months after the search was conducted, Brueckner was arrested and convicted of child abuse, unconnected to Madeleine's case.

He was later named as a suspect in Madeleine's case in 2020, which coincided with German prosecutors stating they believe the missing girl is no longer alive.

In December, 2019, after his DNA was matched to another crime scene, Brueckner was found guilty of the rape of a woman in Praia da Luz in 2005 and sentenced to seven years, a sentence he is still currently serving.

Brueckner has denied any involvement in the McCann case.

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org