Detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have “seized a number of items” from a reservoir in Portugal, it has emerged.

The Barragem do Arade was searched by Portuguese and German police last week, about 30 miles from the Praia da Luz resort where the three-year-old disappeared while on holiday with her parents in May 2007.

In an update on Thursday morning, the Braunschweig Public Prosecutor’s Office said: “The search operation carried out last week in the area of the Arade reservoir in Portugal ended on Thursday after three days as planned.

“A previously precisely defined area along the reservoir was completely searched for possible evidence.

“A number of items were seized as part of the operation. These will be evaluated in the coming days and weeks.

“It is not yet possible to say whether some of the items are actually related to the Madeleine McCann case.”

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.