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Madeleine McCann police search drains Madeleine McCann police search drains
(about 1 hour later)
Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have begun searching drains and sewers close to where the three-year-old went missing.Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have begun searching drains and sewers close to where the three-year-old went missing.
Officers who are searching a 15-acre site in Praia da Luz have been lifting manhole covers and used probe-like devices to investigate inside. Officers who are searching a 15-acre site in Praia da Luz have been removing manhole covers and used probe-like devices to investigate inside.
Met Police were due to end their search on Friday but have been given permission to continue in to next week.Met Police were due to end their search on Friday but have been given permission to continue in to next week.
Madeleine was three when she went missing in Portugal in 2007.Madeleine was three when she went missing in Portugal in 2007.
Forensic teams are examining the sewers close to the edge of the site, where they have also been seen clearing patches of land with pickaxes and pitchforks. Forensic teams are examining the sewers close to the edge of the site, close to where they have also been seen clearing patches of land with pickaxes and pitchforks.
However, the British and Portuguese officers continue to examine several other patches of scrub land on the fourth day of their search.However, the British and Portuguese officers continue to examine several other patches of scrub land on the fourth day of their search.
Officers remain at two tented areas, where forensic officers wearing blue overalls and face masks were working yesterday.Officers remain at two tented areas, where forensic officers wearing blue overalls and face masks were working yesterday.
The BBC understands that the tents were put up over a hole in the ground - possibly a disused well - and officers were seen filling buckets with earth, which were then placed into a wheelbarrow.The BBC understands that the tents were put up over a hole in the ground - possibly a disused well - and officers were seen filling buckets with earth, which were then placed into a wheelbarrow.
No radar equipment was used near the tents.No radar equipment was used near the tents.
Officers from the Met and South Wales Police, along with Portuguese officers, have been working with sniffer dogs and using spades to help sift through the undergrowth during their search so far.Officers from the Met and South Wales Police, along with Portuguese officers, have been working with sniffer dogs and using spades to help sift through the undergrowth during their search so far.
They have also used ground-penetrating radar equipment to detect signs of disturbed earth.They have also used ground-penetrating radar equipment to detect signs of disturbed earth.
The investigation is being overseen by the Met's Det Ch Insp Andy Redwood.The investigation is being overseen by the Met's Det Ch Insp Andy Redwood.
As well as being granted a seven-day extension at the search site, officers also have permission to investigate two other areas.As well as being granted a seven-day extension at the search site, officers also have permission to investigate two other areas.
Portuguese police sources said British officers were surprised at how difficult the terrain is to examine.Portuguese police sources said British officers were surprised at how difficult the terrain is to examine.
On Wednesday morning, the national Portuguese newspaper, Correio da Manha, reported that there would be a search of the sewage network around the Ocean Club, where the McCann family was staying when Madeleine disappeared.On Wednesday morning, the national Portuguese newspaper, Correio da Manha, reported that there would be a search of the sewage network around the Ocean Club, where the McCann family was staying when Madeleine disappeared.
It also reported that the bones of cows and pigs had been unearthed by the search on Tuesday.It also reported that the bones of cows and pigs had been unearthed by the search on Tuesday.
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said there would be no running commentary on the operation.A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said there would be no running commentary on the operation.
Two sniffer dogs have been provided by South Wales Police for the search.Two sniffer dogs have been provided by South Wales Police for the search.
The Met launched a fresh investigation into Madeleine's disappearance last July, codenamed Operation Grange.The Met launched a fresh investigation into Madeleine's disappearance last July, codenamed Operation Grange.
In March, they said they were seeking an intruder who sexually abused five girls in Portugal between 2004 and 2006.In March, they said they were seeking an intruder who sexually abused five girls in Portugal between 2004 and 2006.
Detectives said the attacks had happened in holiday villas occupied by UK families in the Algarve.Detectives said the attacks had happened in holiday villas occupied by UK families in the Algarve.
And last month Scotland Yard said a "substantial phase of operational activity" in Portugal would start soon.And last month Scotland Yard said a "substantial phase of operational activity" in Portugal would start soon.