British police are refusing to rule out the possibility that the body – suspected to be of a young girl – could be the remains of Madeleine McCann, with the Metropolitan Police contacting Australian authorities.
The remains were found in a suitcase in the South Australian bushland near Wynarka this month by a motorist.
South Australian police say the remains appear to be of a young girl aged between two and four.
She is likely to have had fair hair and could have died up to eight years ago. Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 during a holiday with her parents in Portugal.
Her parents were at a dinner nearby with friends when she went missing.
While Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has told reporters “there is absolutely no evidence at this point in time” to suggest the remains are Madeleine McCann’s a Scotland Yard spokesman said they “cannot rule it out”.
“We are aware of reports of the remains of a child having been found in South Australia and we have made contact with the Australian authorities,” the spokesperson said.
A spokesperson for Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry, has refused to comment on “speculative reports”.
“Kate and Gerry will certainly not comment on any speculation. The Yard always keep them informed when and if necessary,” said Clarence Mitchell.
Police have recovered a colourful quilt with the remains, which they believe is home-made and a major breakthrough in the investigation.
Initial reports speculated the remains could be of missing toddler William Tyrrell, however they have now been quashed.
