Police are today searching scrubland near the Algarve holiday resort where Leicestershire girl Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007.
Portuguese police have sealed off a large tract of land near Praia de Luz as part of the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance.
The three-year-old, from Rothley Leicestershire, was on holiday with her parents Gerry and Kate when she went missing.
Last month detectives from Scotland Yard, who are investigating the case,said a "substantial phase of operational activity" would start in Portugal in the weeks to come.
It is understood Portuguese police at the scene will be joined by British officers.
They are expected to use dogs and radar to search the area for disturbed earth.
The scrubland is being searched after a request from the Metropolitan Police.
