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The prime suspect in disappearance stayed in a "wild camping" ground on land now being searched for clues by police where a mysterious white tent was erected in the days after her disappearance, it has been claimed. Searchers are focusing on at least five derelict farmhouses and barns where Christian Brueckner camped at the time went missing.

The area being investigated is located between the German suspect's old home and the apartment in Praia da Luz, where the family were staying. A satellite photo from 22 June 2007 has been unearthed by and shows a white tent pitched inside the walls of a derelict building.

The image was taken seven weeks after Madeleine disappeared from her family's Ocean Club apartment a five minute drive away.

The 2007 images shows the roofless cottage or barn is approximately 58ft long by 25ft wide with a white, 9ft tent like structure pitched inside its walls.

It remains unclear whether the building was occupied by Brueckner or one of a number of hippie types living in the area at the time.

Police teams toiled in 29C heat at the seaside search plot in an area called Atalaia, a mile east of the Ocean Club and half a mile from Brueckner's old house.

The searchers brought in ground penetrating radar scanners to help them in their hunt for clues.

The scanners are capable of detecting human remains 15 feet below ground.

Locals told the spot was once a favourite hang out place for couples on a romantic evening out.

But by the beginning of the 2000s out had been transformed into a "wild camper" venue for foreigners - one of whom is believed to be Brueckner.

Police officers are running out of time to find vital DNA clues, with the 48-year-old German set for release from prison in September.

He is currently serving a jail term for raping a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz in 2005.

A Portuguese police source said last night: "This really is a last ditch effort - search teams here are hoping they get lucky.

"Officers are determined to do everything they possibly can before Brueckner walks free. They know what is at stake."

Madeleine was just three years old when she vanished in 2007 from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz while her parents dined with friends nearby.

The new operation is focussing on trenches near the McCanns' former holiday accommodation and will involve radar technology capable of detecting objects buried deep underground. A crack team of 30 officers, including forensic specialists, are expected to be involved, with Portuguese police providing on-the-ground support.

Speculation is rising that the searches have been triggered by significant new information, with reports suggesting a tipster had sent images to German police of the Praia sites where they claim Madeleine may be buried.

Detectives in Germany fear they face a race against time to pin Maddie's disappearance on convicted sex monster Brueckner as he is currently due for release from prison in September when he would likely flee the country.

The Daily Express understands the searches will take place on more than 20 privately-owned pieces of land near to a ramshackle rented cottage on the outskirts of Praia da Luz where Brueckner spent several years living before 2007.

A police insider said: "The search will take place on 21 privately-owned pieces of land which in some cases are open and not fenced off. Wells, ruins and water storage tanks will be searched."