Madeleine McCann Suspect Christian Brueckner Under Investigation After Clash With Police Outside Supermarket

A New Police Investigation in Germany

Christian Brueckner, the German man considered the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, is facing a new investigation following an incident involving police outside a supermarket in Kiel.

The incident happened on June 6, when Brueckner was reportedly seen taking photographs of several police officers near a supermarket. German authorities later confirmed that an investigation had been opened over an alleged physical attack or resistance against law enforcement officers.

The Dispute Began Over a Mobile Phone

According to reports, officers noticed Brueckner photographing them and asked him to hand over his mobile phone. He allegedly refused, after which a physical confrontation took place.

Police confirmed that one officer was injured during the incident. German authorities have not released a full account of what happened, saying the investigation is still ongoing.

His Lawyer Disputes the Police Account

Brueckner’s lawyer has challenged the circumstances surrounding the confrontation. According to local reports, the defence says the photograph was taken from more than 40 metres away and argues that the police response was excessive.

The competing accounts mean that the exact sequence of events remains under investigation. Brueckner has not been convicted in connection with the supermarket incident.

Brueckner Remains Closely Watched

The incident comes as Brueckner remains under close police observation in Kiel following his release from prison. Authorities have been monitoring his movements as he lives in the northern German city.

He previously served a prison sentence in Germany for the rape of an American woman in Portugal. That case was unrelated to Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.

He Has Never Been Charged Over Madeleine’s Disappearance

Brueckner has been identified by German prosecutors as the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007.

However, Brueckner has never been formally charged in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance and has repeatedly denied involvement. The investigation into the missing British girl remains separate from the new police case in Kiel.

Source: Kiel Police Department, AFP, Der Spiegel, n-tv