A criminologist says the formal identification of a German rapist as a suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann is a surprising development. 

Detectives zeroed in on the man, who is currently in prison, two years ago as part of their investigation into the three-year-old’s disappearance from a Portugal holiday resort in 2007.

Previous reports that the man has been charged over her disappearance have been denied by the man’s lawyers and Portuguese officials

But criminologist Amanda Howard says she believes there’s nothing in the police file of the case that would indicate this man would be the prime suspect.

“It is surprising for a number of reasons because there’s actually no physical evidence available to exclude or identify any possible suspects,” she said.

“There’s nothing to suggest this was a crime of opportunity or an external person because they are so rare.”

Press PLAY below to hear a criminologist’s view on the latest developments in the case 

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