The prime suspect in the high-profile case of Madeleine McCann's disappearance has been released from prison in Germany, where he has been serving a sentence for an unrelated offence.
Christian Brückner was driven out in a black Audi by his lawyer with a police escort shortly after 09:00 local time (07:00 GMT). Brückner wasn't visible in the car but police confirmed he had left Sehnde prison.
He had been convicted of raping a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2005, and will be fitted with an ankle tag after his release from the prison near the northern city of Hanover.
The German national, 48, has never been charged with any crime in relation to the McCann case. He denies any involvement.
Local police spokesman Lars Dehnert told the BBC: We said before that we wanted this to happen as smoothly as possible, adding that Brückner would be escorted for a short distance.
In the UK, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that Brückner remains a suspect for us while continuing the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance. Madeleine was three years old when she vanished in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz in 2007. Despite evidence linking Brückner to the area at the time, authorities have not found enough to charge him with any crime related to her disappearance.
Brückner is subject to strict release terms, including wearing an electronic ankle monitor for five years, regular contact with a probation officer, and court approval for any changes in residency. Prosecutors have expressed concerns he may pose a risk of committing further crimes.
