A wave of fear and anger has swept through the small German town of Eichenhof after Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann, was confirmed to have settled there. It follows his release from prison earlier this week, on September 17. The local council verified the move, sparking fierce backlash from residents, particularly parents, alarmed by the presence of the convicted sex offender in their family-oriented community.
Brueckner, 48, was released from Sehnde prison near Hanover after serving a seven-year sentence for the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal—the same resort where McCann vanished. German authorities have fitted him with an electronic ankle tag and assigned a detail of federal agents to monitor him round the clock, according to local officials. However, these measures have failed to ease public concern.
Markus Weber, a father of three, speaking at a heated community meeting on Thursday, said: “How can they let a man like this live among us? Our children play in these streets. This is unacceptable.”
Another resident, Anna Schmidt, added: “An ankle tag won’t stop him if he wants to act. We’re not just worried—we’re terrified.”
The Sun reported that Brueckner, in letters obtained exclusively, expressed a desire to avoid recognition, writing: “I do not want to be recognised on the street at any time.” Yet, his presence in Eichenhof has made anonymity impossible.
Brueckner’s criminal history spans decades, including convictions for child sexual abuse in 1994 and 2016, and the 2019 rape conviction. German prosecutors named him their top suspect in McCann’s disappearance in June 2020, though he has not been charged in that case.
A recent investigation revealed disturbing evidence of his fixation on abducting young girls, intensifying local fears. Prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters stated: “He is the only suspect,” but insufficient evidence has stalled charges.
Residents are particularly alarmed by the proximity of Brueckner’s new home to schools and playgrounds.
The council has urged calm, citing strict parole conditions, including regular police check-ins and restrictions on approaching areas frequented by children. However, German media noted that the ankle tag would be ineffective if Brueckner left Germany, fuelling concerns he could flee.
As Eichenhof grapples with its new reality, parents have begun escorting children to school and limiting outdoor play. The community remains on edge, with many questioning the justice system’s decision to allow Brueckner to settle in their town.
German authorities continue their investigation into McCann’s case, but for now, Eichenhof’s residents live in the shadow of a man they view as a persistent threat.
