Shocking news has just been confirmed: the bones and clothing recently found at the scene of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance do not belong to her. This discovery, nearly 18 years after Madeleine went missing, has ignited a new spark of hope for Kate and Gerry McCann.

Throughout nearly two decades of agonizing searching for their daughter, no matter how many years passed, Kate and Gerry have held steadfast. What’s most remarkable is that their home has always been kept exactly as it was, its doors seemingly waiting for Madeleine to return. This isn’t just a house; it has become a powerful symbol of a parent’s boundless love and unwavering faith. It stands there, unwavering through every season, silently witnessing the enduring perseverance and never-fading hope of a family, believing that one day, familiar footsteps will once again echo through their beloved home.

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German police, who relaunched their investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, have found bone fragments and clothing samples, according to reports.

The items were discovered during a dig near the resort in Praia da Luz, where the young girl, aged two, was taken from her room. The police had been searching through Atalaia, also known as the Fisherman’s Trail, in what is believed to be a £300,000 operation.

Kate and Gerry McCann face their daughter Madeleine McCann’s 22nd birthday on 12 May, and they still have no answers regarding her disappearance.

When Kate and Gerry’s eldest daughter went missing, they were on holiday at the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz, taking a break from their normal life back in Rothley in Leicestershire. So, where do the parents of Madeleine McCann live now, 18 years after their daughter went missing?

According to the MailOnline, the items are “animal bones” and “old adult clothing,” with one officer telling the publication: “We always knew it was going to be a waste of time, but we have to show cooperation. What did they expect to find after 18 years? We were happy to work with them but we knew it would be a waste of time.”

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Kate and Gerry McCann, wearing t-shirts printed with a photo of their missing daughter Madeleine

CNN Portugal reported that “several items were seized that will be examined further by the German police” in order to “assess their potential relevance to the investigation.”

German authorities named convicted rapist Christian Brueckner as their prime suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance. The convict, who is currently serving prison time for rape and assault, lived in the area at the time of Maddie’s abduction, and two former friends testified that he had told them he took her. However, Brueckner has denied the allegations and is due to be released from prison in September if he is able to pay off several unpaid motoring fines.

Portuguese authorities from the Judicial Police criminal investigation unit work during a new search operation amid the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

Speaking about the new search, his lawyer Philipp Marquort said: “I haven’t had a chance to speak with him yet about the searches and I am not going to comment on what has been happening in Portugal.

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A likeness of what missing child Madeleine McCann would look like aged six

“What I will say is that I don’t think he will be coming out in September as he doesn’t have any money to pay the fines because it went on his legal fees, so I can’t see him leaving prison until early next year. He will probably see the news on the TV in his cell and he will talk about it when he calls me next time but I still do think when he is freed he will leave Germany.”

What happened to Maddie McCann?

Maddie disappeared from her family’s holiday apartment in 2007, shortly before her third birthday, while her parents dined nearby at a tapas restaurant. Her twin siblings, Sean and Amelie, were also sleeping in the room at the time of her abduction. The youngster, who would now be 22, has never been found.

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Madeleine McCann went missing when she was three

Kate and Gerry McCann’s family refuge 18 years on from Madeleine’s disappearance

The couple still reside in the same property where they lived when their world turned upside down during that fateful holiday. The couple live there with their twin children Sean and Amelie, who are now 19. Here’s everything you need to know…

It has been pictured from the outside, revealing it is a brick-built structure with Georgian-style windows and a separate two-car garage. Their driveway is blocked off by a large countryside wooden gate ,and there’s a post box on the exterior pillar.

Their large brown front door has two lantern lights on either side, and the outside has been decorated with plants in pots on the patio.

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Gerry and Kate McCann’s home

We have been unable to see inside the McCann household as neither Gerry nor Kate has social media, but the exterior would suggest it is classic and immaculate.

Rothley is a sleepy village known for its wine estate and castle, and it has two village greens and a local pub.

Kate and Gerry McCann still live at the same property

The surrounding area forms a close-knit community, and the villagers were all affected by Madeleine’s shock disappearance. Speaking to the BBC, neighbour Barbara Stevenson said: “I think the whole area was affected by it because you always think what would happen if that was one of your children or grandchildren.”

Kate and Gerry still share updates on their Find Madeleine website, and one of the sections reads: “Why do we continue?” and the points listed are: “There is absolutely nothing to suggest that Madeleine has been harmed. Madeleine is still missing, and someone needs to be looking for her. She is young and vulnerable and needs our help. We love her dearly and miss her beyond words.”

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The village came together to support the McCann family

Kate and Gerry’s second heartache

The couple are pleased to find any glimmer of hope, but Julia Wandelt’s claims caused them more heartache. The young Polish woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann, Julia Wandelt, has been arrested and charged on suspicion of stalking and harassment of Kate and Gerry McCann.

According to Sky News, she has been accused of causing serious alarm or distress to the couple between 2 May 2024 and 15 February 2025.