Madeleine McCann's parents issue statement about 'false' report on her death

It has been widely reported that German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters, lead investigator on Madeleine McCann's disappearance, has communicated with her family regarding evidence of her "death." Reports claimed that key evidence has been found by the police which links a suspect, Christian Brückner, to Madeleine's murder. However, on their official website, Madeleine's parents denied the reports.

Today, Kate and Gerry McCann released an update on the Find Madeleine website. It states: "The widely reported news that we have a received a letter from the German authorities that states there is evidence or proof that Madeleine is dead is FALSE." The statement went on to criticise media for causing unnecessary anxiety to their friends and family. Madeleine's parents rubbished the reports of a letter sent by Wolters.

The McCann family reiterated that they choose not to offer "running commentary" on the investigation. They reminded the public that they did not have a spokesman or a lawyer acting as their mouthpiece. Kate and Gerry pointed out that if there were any developments in the case, then the official police channels would inform the public.

According to The Daily Mail, Wolters had sent the family a letter informing them that the German investigators had found "concrete evidence" to prove that Brückner had murdered Madeleine. It was claimed that the family had not responded to the letter from the German prosecutor. The reports claimed that Wolters did not reveal to the family what the evidence was. The details were reportedly not shared with the investing teams from Scotland Yard and Portuguese police either.

Wolters also stated that the German police chose to keep details of any investigation undisclosed until they press charges. Explaining why the police are choosing not to disclose any details of the key evidence, Wolters stated that it might influence the memory of witnesses.

Brückner remains in prison in Kiel, northern Germany, for drug offences and a rape charge from 2005. He has been linked to the Madeleine McCann case after former co-workers gave reason to believe that he spoke with knowledge about the incident.