Danie Krugel

A FORMER cop claims he has identified the area where he says Madeleine McCann is buried.

South African Danie Krugel says it is just 500 yards from the holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, from where Maddie disappeared.

The area is a wasteland, full of building rubble, rocks and black, plastic bags.

It is one of two “priority search” locations highlighted by the former detective – one close to the complex and one near the beach.

Krugel – known as “The Locator” for his success in tracing missing people in South Africa – was called in by Kate and Gerry McCann two months after Maddie vanished.

He used DNA tracking – helped by a strand of Madeleine’s hair given to him by Gerry – and GPS satellite to pinpoint the area.

He has also highlighted an area where he spotted a muddy pink and white child’s blanket.

Findings

He claims he didn’t remove it because he didn’t want to interfere with the police investigation.

He then drew a map and gave a detailed report of his findings to local police.

But he says a full search for Madeleine, who vanished shortly before her fourth birthday on May 3, 2007, never took place. Krugel told the Daily Star Sunday: “If they want me to go with them I will.

“I’m convinced they will find her. I will do whatever I can to help. That area needs to be properly searched.

“If it means training up officers from Scotland Yard in how to use the technology, I will do that.

“There needs to be a proper team of experts.”

Kate and Gerry, both 41, of Rothley, Leics, are convinced Maddie was abducted and is still alive.

But Krugel said: “I believe the truth will come out and I pray for the family that they get their answers. There is somebody out there that is guilty.”