Cops scouring lake for Madeleine McCann’s body give stark update on their search

POLICE scouring a lake for the body of Madeleine McCann expect to draw a blank, we can reveal.

German detectives have said there is “no compelling evidence” she is there.

Sniffer dogs and radar were used during the three-day search last month of Arade Dam reservoir.

The prime suspect, German national Christian B, 45, referred to the remote Algarve spot as his “little paradise”.

It is around 30 miles from Praia da Luz where Maddie was snatched in 2007 from a holiday flat while parents Kate and Gerry were out. 

Sources claim local cops received a tip-off that B had gone there a few days after Maddie went missing.

Police dug 2ft deep bore holes at the reservoir hoping, it is believed, to unearth fibres or clothing linked to Madeleine.

A Portuguese newspaper said “relevant information” was found and clothing remains, soil samples and pieces of plastic were taken away for analysis. 

According to German tabloid Bild, however, detectives are likely to say that the evidence they need to nail B is not there.

German public prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said: “Please don’t expect too much.”

B is in a German jail for the rape of a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz in 2005.

He is suspected of further rapes and child abuse.